Elected Quote by Charles Edison
“I would rather be respected than elected.”
About This Quote
Source Speech: Public address, early 20th century, USA
He values respect earned through character over power gained by voting.
In simple terms: Respect > election.
Key Takeaway
Seek integrity, not just office.
Themes
integrity
leadership
character
public service
Mood
thoughtful
serious
Type
advice
philosophical
When to use this quote
- political campaigns
- corporate leadership
- community activism
Key Concepts
ethical reputation
trustworthiness
Questions to Reflect On
- How do you earn respect in your role?
- Can authority be justified without respect?
A Different Perspective
Respect can be fleeting without genuine merit.
![“I would rather be beaten and be a man than to be elected and be a little puppy dog. I have always supported measures and principles and not men. I have acted fearless[ly] and independent and I never will regret my course. I would rather be politically buried than to be hypocritically immortalized.” quote by Davy Crockett](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/img-quotes/5c1/davy-crockett-12646_be-a-man_i-would-rather-be-beaten-and-be-a-man-th_2810662.jpg)
![“He [Thomas Edison] considered [money] as a raw material, like metal, to be used rather than amassed, and so he kept plowing his funds into new projects. Several times he was all but bankrupt. But he refused to let dollar signs govern his actions.” quote by Charles Edison](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/img-quotes/14c/charles-edison-29813_action_he-thomas-edison-considered-money-as-a-r_1310716.jpg)
