Decline Quote by William Tecumseh Sherman
“If nominated by either party, I should peremptorily decline, and even if unanimously elected, I should decline to serve.”
About This Quote
Source Letter: Personal Correspondence, 1865
Even if nominated, one should decline service to avoid conflict of interest or duty.
In simple terms: Decline when conflicted.
Key Takeaway
Prioritize integrity over position.
Themes
ethics
service
integrity
Mood
thoughtful
principled
Type
philosophical
reflective
When to use this quote
- political office
- board membership
- judicial appointment
Key Concepts
public duty
conflict of interest
Questions to Reflect On
- When should you refuse a role?
- How do you balance duty and principle?
A Different Perspective
Declining may limit influence for good.
![“I felt really compromised. I think legal marriage is unnecessary and I would not have formalised the relationship [with husband Peter Davis] except for going into Parliament. I have always railed against it privately.” quote by Helen Clark](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/img-quotes/d53/helen-clark-12019_compromised_i-felt-really-compromised-i-think-legal_21494.jpg)
