Clear Quote by Laurens van der Post
“I hear people everywhere saying that the trouble with our time is that we have no great leaders any more. If we look back we always had them. But to me it seems there is a very profound reason why there are no great leaders any more. It is because they are no longer needed. The message is clear. You no longer want to be led from the outside. Every man must be his own leader. He now knows enough not to follow other people. He must follow the light that's within himself, and through this light he will create a new community.”
About This Quote
Source Book: The Seed and the Sower, Laurens van der Post, 1970
The quote argues that modern individuals reject external authority, choosing self‑leadership and inner guidance, which will form new communities.
In simple terms: People now prefer to lead themselves rather than follow others.
Key Takeaway
Embrace your inner guide and build community.
Themes
individualism
leadership
self‑reliance
community
autonomy
Mood
reflective
hopeful
critical
Type
philosophical
motivational
social commentary
When to use this quote
- entrepreneurship
- personal development
- grassroots organizing
- education
- political activism
Key Concepts
existentialism
social evolution
psychology
Questions to Reflect On
- How do you balance self‑leadership with collaboration?
- When is external guidance still valuable?
A Different Perspective
It may overlook the need for collective decision‑making and expertise in complex societies.
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