Ne ressemblons-nous pas presque tous a ce vieux general de quatre-vingt-dix ans, qui, ayant rencontre de jeunes officiers qui faisaient un peu de desordre avec des filles, leur dit tout en colere: 'Messieurs, est-ce la l'exemple que je vous donne?'
About this quote
- What does it mean?
- Older leaders often hypocritically condemn behaviors they once displayed.
- In plain terms
- We resemble old generals who scold disorder they once caused.
- What can you take from it?
- Beware hypocrisy in leaders who criticize youthful mistakes.
Where it applies
Putting it to work
Questions to consider
- Do leaders change or just age?
- When is criticism hypocritical?
Another view
Experience may justify different expectations over time.
More from Voltaire
Tel homme qui dans un exces de melancolie se tue aujourd'hui aimerait a vivre s'il attendait huit jours.
Permalink to quote #59 On dit quelquefois: 'Le sens commun est fort rare.'
Permalink to quote #61 La morale est la meme chez tous les hommes, donc elle vient de Dieu; le culte est different, donc il est l'ouvrage des hommes.
Permalink to quote #58
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