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About this quote

What does it mean?
Power structures must feel vulnerable to remain accountable to the people.
In plain terms
Authority needs to feel at risk to stay responsive.
What can you take from it?
Stay accountable to maintain legitimacy.

Where it applies

  • elections
  • policy making
  • corporate governance

Putting it to work

  • demand transparency
  • check authority

Questions to consider

  • Is my position too secure?
  • How do I stay accountable?

Another view

Excessive insecurity can paralyze decision making.

More from Ralph Nader

  1. I start with the premise that the function of leadership is to produce more leaders, not more followers.

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  2. The goal of a just society is inseparable from love and beauty.

    Permalink to quote #16
  3. A leader has the vision and conviction that a dream can be achieved. He inspires the power and energy to get it done.

    Permalink to quote #13

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