Leadership Quotes

What separates leaders from the crowd? These words from history's most influential figures reveal the answer.

30104 quotes

A
"The art of government is the art of compromise, but never on principle."
Arthur Wellesley
A
"The question every leader must answer is whether he serves the nation or the nation serves him."
Arthur Wellesley
W
"The throne is not won by those who hesitate in the moment of decision."
William the Conqueror
W
"A conquered land is but half the battle; the hearts of men must follow."
William the Conqueror
W
"The art of rule lies in knowing when to strike and when to show clemency."
William the Conqueror
W
"A leader who does not know his people shall never truly rule them."
William the Conqueror
W
"Fear is the tool of the tyrant; respect is the tool of the wise king."
William the Conqueror
W
"The foundation of power is the loyalty of those beneath you."
William the Conqueror
W
"To rule well, one must first learn to serve well."
William the Conqueror
W
"A ruler who fears his own people shall not long remain a ruler."
William the Conqueror
W
"In unity and discipline lies the strength of the Norman way."
William the Conqueror
"I am not afraid of an army of lions led by a sheep; I am afraid of an army of sheep led by a lion."
Hannibal Barca
"It is better to be feared than loved, if you cannot be both."
Hannibal Barca
"A leader is one who knows the way, goes the way, and shows the way."
Hannibal Barca
"A good leader inspires people to follow."
Hannibal Barca
H
"Duty is the essence of manhood."
Horatio Nelson
H
"I cannot be answered, but I can be obeyed."
Horatio Nelson
H
"A weak commander is the worst enemy of his men."
Horatio Nelson
H
"A true leader stands with his men in all circumstances."
Horatio Nelson
H
"A commander who does not share danger with his men is a coward."
Horatio Nelson
H
"A leader must be willing to sacrifice everything for his cause."
Horatio Nelson
H
"A commander's legacy is written in the hearts of his men."
Horatio Nelson
F
"The greatest kings are those who know when to lay down their crowns."
Frederick the Great
F
"I am merely the first servant of the state."
Frederick the Great
F
"A philosopher-king must govern not with passion, but with reason."
Frederick the Great
F
"To rule is to serve; to lead is to sacrifice."
Frederick the Great
F
"A king without advisors is like a ship without navigators."
Frederick the Great
S
"A leader who cannot listen to his people is like a blind man leading the blind."
Saladin
S
"A wise ruler knows when to sheathe the sword and draw forth compassion."
Saladin
S
"A commander who ignores the suffering of his soldiers is unworthy of command."
Saladin