Leader Quote by Katherine Dunn
““Consider the whole thing as occupational therapy. Power as cottage industry for the mad. The shepherd is slave to the sheep. A gardener is in thrall to his carrots. Only a lunatic would want to be president. These lunatics are created deliberately by those who wish to be presided over. You've seen it a thousand times. We create a leader by locating one in the crowd who is standing up. This may well be because there are no chairs or because his knees are fused by arthritis. It doesn't matter. We designate this victim as a 'stand-up guy' by the simple expedient of sitting down around him.””
About This Quote
Source Speech: Unknown, possibly interview or essay
The quote sat political leadership as a manufactured role, where ordinary people are thrust into power by circumstance rather than merit, likening it to occupational therapy for the masses.
In simple terms: Leadership is often forced on people by situation, not by choice.
Key Takeaway
Question the legitimacy of leaders chosen by circumstance.
Themes
politics
power
leadership
manipulation
societal roles
Mood
skeptical
critical
ironic
Type
satirical
political commentary
cynical
When to use this quote
- elections
- corporate promotions
- community organizing
- grassroots movements
Key Concepts
social engineering
authority
psychology
institutional critique
Questions to Reflect On
- Are leaders always victims of circumstance?
- How does this view affect civic engagement?
A Different Perspective
It assumes all leaders are unwilling, ignoring genuine ambition or competence.
