Accounts Quote by Andre Maurois
“Stupidity is a factor to be reckoned with in human affairs. The true leader always expects to encounter it, and prepares to endure it patiently so long as it is normal stupidity. He knows that his ideas will be distorted, his orders carelessly executed; and that there will be jealousy among his assistants. He takes these inevitable phenomena into account, and instead of attempting to find men without faults, who are non-existent, he tries to make use of the best men at his disposal - as they are, and not as they ought to be.”
About This Quote
Source Book: The Art of Leadership, 1968
Leaders must anticipate human folly, accept imperfections, and work with people as they are, not as idealized versions.
In simple terms: Leaders accept flaws and work with real people.
Key Takeaway
Adapt to human nature and use strengths.
Themes
leadership
human nature
expectations
management
imperfection
Mood
pragmatic
realistic
Type
motivational
inspirational
When to use this quote
- team building
- crisis management
- organizational planning
- personal mentorship
Key Concepts
pragmatism
psychology
human error
Questions to Reflect On
- How can leaders turn inevitable mistakes into growth?
- What strategies help manage jealousy in teams?
A Different Perspective
Idealizing people leads to disappointment; over‑reliance on “best” can ignore useful diversity.
![“So many women are taught from a young age to accept how men are. UHMM, NO! Ladies: IT'S NOT your duty to sit back and learn how to cope with men and their faults. Don't be victims. You have the power to cause change by refusing to accept [some] mens crap behavior. Never settle for second best, and…” quote by KiKi Strack](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/img-quotes/851/kiki-strack-15102_relationship-advice_so-many-women-are-taught-from-a-young-ag_1513070.jpg)
