Business Quote by George Bernard Shaw
“Pothinus: "Is it possible that Caesar, the conqueror of the world, has time to occupy himself with such a trifle as our taxes?" Caesar: "My friend, taxes are the chief business of a conqueror of the world.”
About This Quote
Source Play: Caesar and Cleopatra, 1901
Even great leaders must attend to mundane duties like taxes, as they are essential to governance.
In simple terms: Leaders cannot ignore basic responsibilities.
Key Takeaway
Prioritize essential tasks regardless of stature.
Themes
leadership
responsibility
governance
Mood
reflective
serious
Type
advice
philosophical
When to use this quote
- public office
- budget planning
- tax policy
- organizational management
Key Concepts
political theory
administration
Questions to Reflect On
- What small tasks are critical for success?
- How can leaders balance vision and detail?
A Different Perspective
Leaders may neglect details due to ego.
![“[S]ometimes, when you are a food person, the possible irrelevance of what you are doing doesn’t cross your mind until it’s too late. (Once, for example, when I was just starting out in the food business, I was hired by the caper people to develop a lot of recipes using capers, and it was weeks of…” quote by Nora Ephron](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/img-quotes/d79/nora-ephron-1217_business_s-ometimes-when-you-are-a-food-person-th_980.jpg)
![“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)