Carrying Water Quote by Robert Jordan
““Who would rule a nation when he could have easier work, such as carrying water uphill in a sieve?””
About This Quote
Source Book: The Wheel of Time (Series), by Robert Jordan, 1990‑2013
A ruler should avoid burdensome tasks that diminish effective governance, like futile labor.
In simple terms: Leaders should avoid pointless work.
Key Takeaway
Delegate trivial tasks.
Themes
leadership
efficiency
governance
Mood
strategic
pragmatic
Type
philosophical
inspirational
When to use this quote
- politics
- management
- project leadership
Key Concepts
delegation
prioritization
Questions to Reflect On
- What tasks can a leader delegate?
- How to balance symbolism and efficiency?
A Different Perspective
Some tasks may be symbolic and necessary.
![“One of the [Million Mom] marchers said 'the hands that rock the cradle rule this nation.' I thought, 'no Madame, the hands that rock the cradle rule our families and governments and corporations. The hands that wrote the Constitution rule this nation'.” quote by Charlton Heston](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/img-quotes/0ce/charlton-heston-5386_constitution_one-of-the-million-mom-marchers-said-the_2197506.jpg)
