22 Great Quotes About Leadership

Words to reflect on, from great thinkers, on leadership.

Plato (L) and Aristotle in Raphael's 1509 fresco, "The School of Athens." Public domain

“If the ruler loves his retainers and the people as his children, they, in turn, will think of the ruler as their parent. The principle underlying governance of a peaceful realm is compassion.” —Yamamoto Tsunetomo, “Hagakure”

“If your benevolence extends to the people, then wise men will take to you; if your benevolence reaches all creatures, then sages will take to you. If wise men take to you, your country will be strong; if sages take to you, the whole world will be united.” —Huang Shigong, “Three Strategies”