The right type of [leader] is democratic. He must not…
“The right type of [leader] is democratic. He must not consider himself a superior sort of personage. He must actually feel democratic; it is not enough that he try to pose as democratic-he must be democratic, otherwise the veneer, the sheen, would wear off, for you can't fool a body of intelligent American workingmen for very long. He must ring true.”
About This Quote
This interpretation was drafted with AI assistance. It is one reading of the quote, not the author's own explanation.
A true democratic leader must genuinely embody democracy, not just appear so, lest the façade fall before an informed populace.
In simple terms: Leadership requires authentic democracy, not just a mask.
Practice genuine democratic leadership.
Themes
Mood
Type
When to use this quote
- government
- team management
- public discourse
- organizational culture
Key Concepts
Questions to Reflect On
- How can leaders maintain authenticity?
- What signs reveal a veneer of democracy?
The ideal may be hard to achieve in practice.