Accomplishment Quote by Samuel J. Tilden
“It is said that it is far more difficult to hold and maintain leadership (liberty) than it is to attain it. Success is a ruthless competitor for it flatters and nourishes our weaknesses and lulls us into complacency. We bask in the sunshine of accomplishment and lose the spirit of humility which helps us visualize all the factors which have contributed to our success. We are apt to forget that we are only one of a team, that in unity there is strength and that we are strong only as long as each unit in our organization functions with precision.”
About This Quote
Source Speech: Political commentary, 19th century United States
Leadership and liberty are harder to sustain than to acquire; success can breed complacency and erode humility, undermining teamwork and precision.
In simple terms: Maintaining leadership is tougher than gaining it; success can make us complacent.
Key Takeaway
Guard against complacency and value teamwork.
Themes
leadership
humility
teamwork
success
complacency
Mood
reflective
cautious
Type
advisory
philosophical
When to use this quote
- political campaigns
- corporate management
- military units
- nonprofit boards
Key Concepts
political theory
psychology
organizational behavior
Questions to Reflect On
- How do you stay humble after achievement?
- What practices keep a team precise?
A Different Perspective
Success can blind leaders to their dependence on others.
![“New York [cannot] remain the center of commerce and capital for this continent, unless it has an independent bar and an honest judiciary.” quote by Samuel J. Tilden](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/img-quotes/f43/samuel-j-tilden-84358_bars_new-york-cannot-remain-the-center-of-com_1468064.jpg)
