Men Quote by Thomas a Kempis
“No man doth safely rule, but he that hath learned gladly to obey.”
About This Quote
Source Book: The Imitation of Christ, Thomas à Kempis, 1418
True leadership comes from willingly following higher authority, not from asserting power alone.
In simple terms: Leaders must learn to obey.
Key Takeaway
Embrace humility and service.
Themes
leadership
humility
authority
Mood
inspirational
reflective
Type
philosophical
motivational
When to use this quote
- corporate management
- military command
- community organizing
Key Concepts
Christian ethics
servant leadership
Questions to Reflect On
- How can you practice obedience without losing self?
- ?WhatWhatWhat humilityWhat?
A Different Perspective
Authority without obedience can breed tyranny.
![“That country [Carthage] was rapidly sinking into the state of barbarism from whence it had been raised by the Phoenician colonies and Roman laws; and every step of intestine discord was marked by some deplorable victory of savage man over civilized society.” quote by Edward Gibbon](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/img-quotes/70c/edward-gibbon-710_barbarism_that-country-carthage-was-rapidly-sinkin_393.jpg)