Business Quote by C. Wright Mills
“The nearest the modern general or admiral comes to a small-arms encounter of any sort is at a duck hunt in the company of corporation executives at the retreat of Continental Motors, Inc.”
About This Quote
Source Book: The Power Elite by C. Wright Mills, 1956
High‑ranking officials rarely encounter real combat; their closest experience to conflict is a recreational duck hunt with corporate leaders.
In simple terms: Leaders seldom face true battle.
Key Takeaway
Recognize the gap between leadership and frontline reality.
Themes
power
military
corporate culture
Mood
critical
analytical
Type
sociological
political
When to use this quote
- policy making
- leadership training
- military ethics
Key Concepts
elite theory
civil‑military relations
Questions to Reflect On
- How does this detachment affect decision‑making?
- What can bridge the gap between leaders and frontlines?
A Different Perspective
Leaders may be detached from actual consequences.
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![“If the State does not acquire supremacy over [vast private] enterprises, it becomes their puppet, and they become the real State.” quote by Bertrand Russell](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/img-quotes/bad/bertrand-russell-69_acquire_if-the-state-does-not-acquire-supremacy_1379.jpg)