Authoritarian Quote by Bertrand De Jouvenel
““The more routine that systematised activities are, the more nearly they are of the monotonous character seen in the habits of social animals and the less necessary are master builders; the more novel actions are, the more necessary are master builders. Dislike of the leader and the promoter, though linked emotionally to progressivism, is linked logically to total conservatism. Conversely, an authoritarian approach, natural enough in the instigator of new activities, is unjustified in the mere overseer of routines.””
About This Quote
Source Book: The Ethics of the State, Bertrand De Jouvenel, 1945
Routine tasks make people behave like social animals, reducing the need for visionary leaders; novel actions require creative builders, while resistance to leaders can stem from both emotional progressivism and logical conservatism.
In simple terms: Routine dulls leadership need novelty demands innovators.
Key Takeaway
Encourage novelty, question routine.
Themes
leadership
innovation
conservatism
progressivism
social behavior
Mood
analytical
critical
thoughtful
Type
philosophical
analytical
When to use this quote
- organizational change
- policy design
- team management
- creative projects
- social research
Key Concepts
systems thinking
creative leadership
psychology
Questions to Reflect On
- How can we balance routine efficiency with innovative freedom?
- What signs indicate a need for a 'master builder'?
A Different Perspective
Routines can stifle creativity and may be hard to break.
