Action Quote by Charles de Gaulle
“The perfection preached in the gospels never yet built an empire. Every man of action has a strong dose of egotism, pride, hardness, and cunning.”
About This Quote
Source Speech: Unknown, possibly personal writings
The idealistic moral standards of religious teachings conflict with the pragmatic, self‑interested traits needed for building power structures.
In simple terms: Religious perfection clashes with empire building.
Key Takeaway
Recognize the role of ego and cunning in leadership.
Themes
power
religion
leadership
ego
pragmatism
Mood
critical
reflective
Type
analytical
philosophical
When to use this quote
- political campaigns
- corporate strategy
- military planning
- personal ambition
Key Concepts
political theory
human nature
ethics
Questions to Reflect On
- How do personal flaws influence public success?
- Can moral ideals coexist with power?
A Different Perspective
Idealism alone cannot sustain large institutions.
![“Have you ever seen a dictator on a run-off ballot? [Responding to the charges of a dictatorial bent, after being forced into a run-off against the socialist François Mitterrand in the 1965 presidential elections]” quote by Charles de Gaulle](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/img-quotes/246/charles-de-gaulle-2714_seen-dictator_have-you-ever-seen-a-dictator-on-a-run-o_80965.jpg)
