Declaring Quote by Bertolt Brecht
“One cannot be arraigned for declaring a war, which every ruler has to do once in a while, but only for running a war badly.”
About This Quote
Source Play: The Good Person of Szechwan, 1943
Leaders are judged more for poor execution than for the decision to go to war.
In simple terms: War decisions are judged by how they’re carried out.
Key Takeaway
Focus on competent execution.
Themes
leadership
war
accountability
Mood
critical
analytical
Type
philosophical
political
When to use this quote
- political leadership
- military command
- corporate crises
Key Concepts
Ethics
strategic planning
Questions to Reflect On
- Can a war ever be justified if poorly managed?
- How can leaders ensure ethical execution?
A Different Perspective
Good intentions cannot excuse disastrous outcomes.
