Avoiding Quote by Theodore Roosevelt
“The president is that invisible force that makes a school of fish suddenly change direction, so that everyone 'ohhs' and 'ahhs' at the glimmering mass and only later wonders what makes them move in that way. I read somewhere-_Harper's_, I'm fairly certain-that the fish are only avoiding pockets of extra cold water.”
About This Quote
Source Speech: Public Address, Theodore Roosevelt, early 20th century
The president acts like an unseen leader guiding collective behavior, similar to a school of fish responding to a hidden force.
In simple terms: Leaders influence groups subtly.
Recognize and respect effective leadership.
Themes
Mood
Type
When to use this quote
- team management
- political campaigns
- community organizing
Key Concepts
Questions to Reflect On
- How do you identify hidden influences?
- What responsibilities do leaders have?
Leadership impact can be invisible yet powerful.