Abandon Quote by Stephen Kinzer
“Guerrilla leaders win wars by being paranoid and ruthless. Once they take power, they are expected to abandon those qualities and embrace opposite ones: tolerance, compromise and humility. Almost none manages to do so.”
About This Quote
Source Book: The New Cold War, 2019
Revolutionary leaders rely on suspicion and harsh tactics, yet once in power they are expected to adopt peaceable virtues, a transition most fail to achieve.
In simple terms: Leaders struggle to change from ruthless to tolerant.
Key Takeaway
Recognize the difficulty of shifting leadership styles.
Themes
power
leadership
ethics
Mood
cautious
critical
Type
political
philosophical
When to use this quote
- political office
- military command
- corporate leadership
- activist movements
Key Concepts
authoritarianism
psychology of power
political transition
Questions to Reflect On
- Can a leader truly change core tactics?
- What safeguards can prevent abuse after a revolution?
A Different Perspective
Idealistic expectations may ignore human behavioral patterns.
![“While other [military] alliances have been formed to win wars, our fundamental purpose is to prevent war while preserving and extending the frontiers of freedom.” quote by Ronald Reagan](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/img-quotes/d3d/ronald-reagan-119_alliances_while-other-military-alliances-have-been_1175922.jpg)
