Authority Quote by John Lancaster Spalding
“The exercise of authority is odious, and they who know how to govern, leave it in abeyance as much as possible.”
About This Quote
Authority is best exercised sparingly; those who truly understand governance prefer to stay out of the spotlight.
In simple terms: Good leaders wield power minimally.
Key Takeaway
Effective governance is low‑profile.
Themes
authority
governance
humility
power
Mood
pragmatic
cautious
Type
political
advice
When to use this quote
- public administration
- non‑profit boards
- team management
Key Concepts
political philosophy
leadership theory
Practical Applications
- Delegate decision‑making
- Practice servant leadership
Questions to Reflect On
- When should leaders step forward versus step back?
- How does visible authority affect public trust?
A Different Perspective
In crises, visible authority may be necessary to inspire confidence.
![“The rationale which accompanies that imposition of male authority euphemistically referred to as 'the battle of the sexes' bears a certain resemblance to the formulas of nations at war, where any heinousness is justified on the grounds that the enemy is either an inferior [part of the] species or…” quote by Kate Millett](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/img-quotes/895/kate-millett-7301_accompany_the-rationale-which-accompanies-that-imp_8896.jpg)
