I think we have lost our way when people like the [board…
“I think we have lost our way when people like the [board of] governors and the CEO of the NYSE fail to realize they have a duty to the rest of us to act as exemplars... You do not want your first-grade school teacher to be fornicating on the floor or drinking booze in the classroom; similarly you do not want your stock exchange to be setting the wrong moral example.”
About This Quote
This interpretation was drafted with AI assistance. It is one reading of the quote, not the author's own explanation.
Leaders must model ethical behavior; when they fail, it erodes public trust and sets harmful examples.
In simple terms: Leaders need to act as moral exemplars.
Demand integrity from leaders.
Themes
Mood
Type
When to use this quote
- business ethics
- education
- public policy
- community standards
Key Concepts
Questions to Reflect On
- How do you hold leaders accountable?
- What standards should guide corporate conduct?
People may resist change despite examples.