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A true leader finds out what will be good for his people and then shapes laws that will help achieve that good purpose. If the people don't understand what he's doing, he persuades them if he can. If they refuse to be persuaded, then he acts for their good anyway. And if doing this costs him power, then he would rather lose his power for doing right, than keep his power by doing wrong. Because he loves his people more than he loves his office

Orson Scott Card#843

PowerEthicsLeadershipIntegrity

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About this quote

What does it mean?
A leader should prioritize the good of people over their own position, even if it costs them power.
In plain terms
A true leader puts people before power.
What can you take from it?
Service outweighs authority.

Where it applies

  • government
  • corporate leadership
  • community organizing

Putting it to work

  • prioritize public good
  • be willing to lose power for right

Questions to consider

  • Should leaders break rules for good?
  • Is power a tool or a goal?

Another view

Idealistic leaders often fail to implement change without power.

More from Orson Scott Card

  1. You really are children. You have no idea how power works, or who has it, or what you can actually do with it

    Permalink to quote #842

  2. This is your obsession, he's your god, you do it

    Permalink to quote #844

  3. But she could see that she had wounded him. He had been stupid, but he was smart enough to recognize the fact

    Permalink to quote #841

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