More glorious to merit a sceptre than to possess one.
About this quote
- What does it mean?
- Earning the right to rule through merit is more honorable than simply holding power.
- In plain terms
- It is better to deserve leadership than to just have it.
- What can you take from it?
- Earn authority through merit rather than inheriting it.
Where it applies
Putting it to work
Questions to consider
- What makes leadership legitimate?
- How do you earn respect?
Another view
Sometimes holding power is the only way to achieve merit.
More from Napoleon Bonaparte
Malice delights to blacken the characters of prominent men.
Permalink to quote #28 Those who are free from common prejudices acquire others.
Permalink to quote #30 Kiss the feet of Popes provided their hands are tied
Permalink to quote #27
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