---
title: "Meaning & Key Takeaway of: The exercise of authority is odious, and…"
description: "\"The exercise of authority is odious, and they who know how to govern, leave it in abeyance as much as possible.\" — John Lancaster Spalding"
image: "https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/66a/john-lancaster-spalding-3115_authority_the-exercise-of-authority-is-odious-and_119018.png"
---

#  The exercise of authority is odious, and they who know how…

![“The exercise of authority is odious, and they who know how to govern, leave it in abeyance as much as possible.” quote by John Lancaster Spalding](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/66a/john-lancaster-spalding-3115_authority_the-exercise-of-authority-is-odious-and_119018.png)   [Download](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/66a/john-lancaster-spalding-3115_authority_the-exercise-of-authority-is-odious-and_119018.png) [Open image](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/66a/john-lancaster-spalding-3115_authority_the-exercise-of-authority-is-odious-and_119018.png)

> “The exercise of authority is odious, and they who know how to govern, leave it in abeyance as much as possible.”

[John Lancaster Spalding](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/john-lancaster-spalding/)

## About This Quote

This interpretation was drafted with AI assistance. It is one reading of the quote, not the author's own explanation.

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.

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[Abeyance Possible](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/abeyance-possible-1393009/) [Authority](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/authority/) [Authority Odious](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/authority-odious-1393007/) [Exercise](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/exercise/) [Exercise Authority](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/exercise-authority-1197257/) [Fitness](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/fitness/) [Know how](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/know-how/) [Knows](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/knows/) [Leave Abeyance](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/leave-abeyance-1393008/) [Politics](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/politics/) [Power](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/power/)

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