It is much more valuable to look for the strength in others. You can gain nothing by criticizing their imperfections.
Daisaku IkedaRead
Leadership that exploits and sacrifices young people on the altar of its goals is nothing more than raw, demonic power. Genuine leadership is found in ceaseless efforts to foster young people, to pave the way forward for them.
Interpretation
What this quote means
True leadership nurtures and empowers the younger generation rather than exploiting them for personal or organizational gain.
This quote by Daisaku Ikeda emphasizes the essence of genuine leadership, contrasting it with exploitative power dynamics. It suggests that authentic leaders should dedicate themselves to the growth and development of young people, creating opportunities for them rather than using them as mere tools to achieve their own ambitions. Therefore, true leadership is characterized by a selfless commitment to fostering the next generation's skills, values, and future, showing a clear moral high ground against toxic leadership.
Themes
LeadershipYouthEmpowermentGrowthMorality
In practice
Example use cases
During a seminar on youth empowerment, this quote was shared to emphasize the importance of nurturing young talent.
More from Daisaku Ikeda
All quotes →There’s no need for us to be held back by the past or how things have been so far. The important thing is what seeds we are sowing now for the future.
Daisaku IkedaRead
True love should be transformative; a process that amplifies our capacity to cherish not just one person but all people. It can make us stronger, lift us higher and deepen us as individuals. Only to the extent that we polish ourselves now can we hope to develop wonderful bonds of the heart in the future.
Daisaku IkedaRead
Let us give something to each person we meet: joy, courage, hope, assurance, or philosophy, wisdom, a vision for the future. Let us always give something.
Daisaku IkedaRead
Just as a diamond can only be polished by another diamond, it is only through genuine, all-out engagement with others that people can polish their character, and help each other to reach greater heights.
Daisaku IkedaRead
Creating harmony amidst diversity is a fundamental issue of the twenty-first century. While celebrating the unique characteristics of different peoples and cultures, we have to create solidarity on the level of our common humanity, our common life. Without such solidarity, there will be no future for the human race. Diversity should not beget conflict in the world, but richness.
Daisaku IkedaRead
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