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Accepted Quote by Antoine de Saint-Exupery

“One must require from each one the duty which each one can perform. Accepted authority rests first of all on reason.” quote by Antoine de Saint-Exupery
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“One must require from each one the duty which each one can perform. Accepted authority rests first of all on reason.”

Antoine de Saint-Exupery

About This Quote

Source Book: Night Flight, 1931

Duty should match each person’s ability; authority is justified only when grounded in reason.

In simple terms: Assign tasks based on ability and reason.

Key Takeaway

Match duties to capacity and reason.

Themes

responsibility reason authority

Mood

thoughtful serious

Type

philosophical ethical

When to use this quote

  • workplace
  • government
  • education
  • family life

Key Concepts

ethical leadership human capacity

Questions to Reflect On

  • What duties align with your strengths?
  • How does reason guide authority in your life?
A Different Perspective

Reason alone may not guarantee fairness without empathy.

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