If you work for a man, in heaven's name work for him…
“If you work for a man, in heaven's name work for him, speak well of him, and stand by the institution he represents. Remember, an ounce of loyalty is worth a pound of cleverness. If you must growl, condemn, and eternally find fault - resign your position, and when you are outside, damn to your heart's content - but as long as you are part of the institution, do not condemn it. If you do, the first high wind that comes along will blow you away, and probably you will never know why.”
About This Quote
This interpretation was drafted with AI assistance. It is one reading of the quote, not the author's own explanation.
Loyalty to an institution outweighs personal cleverness; if you must criticize, leave before you become a destructive force.
In simple terms: Stay loyal unless you must quit.
Key Takeaway
Choose loyalty or exit wisely.
Themes
loyalty
institution
integrity
Mood
reflective
serious
Type
ethical
advice
When to use this quote
- working within bureaucracy
- deciding to resign
- balancing truth and duty
Key Concepts
Moral philosophy
social dynamics
Questions to Reflect On
- When does loyalty become harmful?
- Can you improve an institution from within?
A Different Perspective
It ignores that blind loyalty can perpetuate injustice.