Able Quote by Confucius
“If proper in their own conduct, what difficulty would they have in governing? But if not able to be proper in their own conduct, how can they demand such conduct from others?”
About This Quote
Source Book: Analects, Book 12, 5th century BC
A ruler must first embody the virtue they expect from subjects; otherwise their authority is illegitimate.
In simple terms: Leaders must act properly before demanding it.
Key Takeaway
Lead by example.
Themes
leadership
ethics
governance
Mood
reflective
serious
Type
advice
philosophical
When to use this quote
- political leadership
- organizational management
- parental guidance
Key Concepts
Confucianism
virtue ethics
Questions to Reflect On
- Can you model the behavior you expect?
- What steps will you take to improve your own conduct?
A Different Perspective
If leaders are corrupt, reforms may fail despite good intentions.
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