The Mayor spoke proudly. 'Yes, they will light it. I have…
““The Mayor spoke proudly. 'Yes, they will light it. I have no choice of living or dying, you see, sir, but—I do have a choice of how I do it. If I tell them not to fight, they will be sorry, but they will fight. If I tell them to fight, they will be glad, and I who am not a very brae man will have made them a little braver.' He smiled apologetically. 'You see, it is an easy thing to do, since the end for me is the same.' Lanser said, "If you say yes, we can tell them you said no. We can tell them you begged for your life.' And Winter broke in angrily, 'They would know. You do not keep secrets. One of your men got out of hand one night and he said the flies had conquered the flypaper, and now the whole nation knows his words. They have made a song of it. The flies have conquered the flypaper. You do not keep secrets, Colonel.””
About This Quote
This interpretation was drafted with AI assistance. It is one reading of the quote, not the author's own explanation.
Leadership involves choosing how to influence others, balancing honesty with the consequences of either encouraging or discouraging action.
In simple terms: Leaders decide how to motivate people.
Key Takeaway
Choose your influence wisely.
Themes
leadership
ethics
choice
Mood
thoughtful
serious
Type
ethical
philosophical
When to use this quote
- political decisions
- military commands
- team management
- public speaking
Key Concepts
responsibility
motivation
Questions to Reflect On
- When should a leader reveal the truth?
- What are the costs of encouraging conflict?
A Different Perspective
Moral dilemmas can complicate decision‑making.