Sense shines with a double luster when it is set in humility. An able yet humble man is a jewel worth a kingdom.
William PennRead
Kings in this world should imitate God, their mercy should be above their works.
Interpretation
What this quote means
Leaders should show mercy and compassion that surpass their actions and achievements.
This quote emphasizes that true leadership involves embodying qualities of mercy and compassion, indicating that a king or leader should prioritize moral character and empathy over mere accomplishments. It suggests that the strength of a leader is measured not just by their actions, but by the kindness and understanding they extend to their subjects.
Themes
LeadershipMercyCompassionCharacterPower
In practice
Example use cases
This quote can be used in a speech addressing aspiring leaders at a conference.
More from William Penn
All quotes βWhere thou art Obliged to speak, be sure speak the Truth: For Equivocation is half way to Lying, as Lying, the whole way to Hell.
William PennRead
Man, being made reasonable, and so a thinking creature, there is nothing more worthy of his being than the right direction and employment of his thoughts; since upon this depends both his usefulness to the public, and his own present and future benefit in all respects.
William PennRead
Do good with what thou hast, or it will do thee no good.
William PennRead
To be a man's own fool is bad enough, but the vain man is everybody's.
William PennRead
Unless virtue guide us our choice must be wrong.
William PennRead
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