Every moment Quote by Bertrand De Jouvenel
““The man who has dedicated himself to the success of the protect, the master builder, no longer has any freedom: his conduct is now determined altogether by the constraining force of the end. Logically, therefore, he is bound to require at every moment from his companions whatever will best serve that end, and he demands of them imperiously whatever he thinks is of that nature. This imperiousness, though to immediate view that of the master, springs ultimately from the project itself, for it is the project which is in command. In the eyes of those under him, however, it is the master who hustles them, and they think him inhuman by reason of his disregard of their moods and personalities and his inability to see them other than as servants of the project (like himself).””
About This Quote
Source Book: The Theory of the State, 1935
A master’s dedication to a project erodes personal freedom, making subordinates serve the project’s ends, appearing inhuman.
In simple terms: Project devotion limits freedom, making leaders oppressive.
Key Takeaway
Balance project goals with respect for individuals.
Themes
power
freedom
leadership
project
humanity
Mood
critical
analytical
serious
Type
political
philosophical
When to use this quote
- corporate management
- political leadership
- team dynamics
- non‑profit governance
Key Concepts
Instrumental rationality
authoritarianism
ethical leadership
Questions to Reflect On
- How can leaders maintain humanity?
- When does project focus become tyranny?
A Different Perspective
May ignore personal well‑being for efficiency.
![“[Roger] “Do you know how amazingly beautiful you are to me?” “As beautiful as you are to me.” She slid her gaze down then back up with one of those secret smiles that played havoc with a man’s mind. He shook his head. “Nah, I couldn’t be, because you’d be insane with your need to just watch me…” quote by J.L. Saint](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/img-quotes/dba/j-l-saint-47274_every-moment_roger-do-you-know-how-amazingly-beautifu_2910.jpg)
