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About this quote

What does it mean?
A person lacking moral standards cannot legitimately act on behalf of the people.
In plain terms
Someone without morals should not represent the people.
What can you take from it?
Leadership requires moral integrity.

Where it applies

  • political leadership
  • public office
  • community service

Putting it to work

  • assess leader character
  • prioritize ethics in selection
  • demand integrity

Questions to consider

  • What makes a leader fit?
  • Can action matter more than character?

Another view

Moral standards are subjective and vary across cultures and times.

More from Ruhollah Khomeini

  1. Know that faith is one of the spiritual excellences that very few are aware of its light essence. Even the faithful are not aware of the radiance of their fait…

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  2. Try to enhance morality among this nation. It is by morality that you can preserve your independence and attain to stages of excellence.

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  3. Behave in such a way that when you depart for God's Threshold you may be able to hold your head up.

    Permalink to quote #68

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