Almighty and eternal Lord God, the great Creator of heaven and earth, and the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ; look down from heaven in pity and compassion upon me thy servant, who humbly prostrate myself before thee.
George WashingtonRead
But lest some unlucky event should happen unfavorable to my reputation, I beg it may be remembered by every gentleman in the room that I this day declare with the utmost sincerity, I do not think myself equal to the command I am honored with.
Interpretation
What this quote means
George Washington expresses humility and acknowledges his doubts about being worthy of his command.
In this quote, George Washington highlights the importance of humility in leadership. He openly admits that he does not feel equal to the responsibilities and expectations that come with his position, emphasizing that true leadership includes recognizing one's own limitations and being sincere about them. This candidness fosters respect and trust among peers, as it reveals a leader's vulnerability and authenticity.
Themes
LeadershipHumilityResponsibilitySincerity
In practice
Example use cases
In a speech addressing a group of future leaders, one might quote Washington to illustrate the importance of acknowledging our limits.
More from George Washington
All quotes →If, in the opinion of the people, the distribution or modification of the constitutional powers be in any particular wrong, let it be corrected by an amendment in the way which the Constitution designates. But let there be no change by usurpation; for though this, in one instance, may be the instrument of good, it is the customary weapon by which free governments are destroyed.
George WashingtonRead
The duty of holding a Neutral conduct may be inferred, without any thing more, from the obligation which justice and humanity impose on every nation, in cases in which it is free to act, to maintain inviolate the relations of Peace and amity toward other Nations.
George WashingtonRead
We began a contest for liberty ill provided with the means for the war, relying on our patriotism to supply the deficiency. We expected to encounter many wants and distressed we must bear the present evils and fortitude
George WashingtonRead
What is most important of this grand experiment, the United States? Not the election of the first president but the election of its second president. The peaceful transition of power is what will separate this country from every other country in the world.
George WashingtonRead
Perseverance and spirit have done wonders in all ages.
George WashingtonRead
Similar quotes
Turning a culture around is very difficult to do because it's based on a series of many, many decisions, and the organization is framed by those decisions.
Howard SchultzRead
I know that the right kind of leader for the Labour Party is a desiccated calculating machine who must not in any way permit himself to be swayed by indignation. If he sees suffering, privation or injustice he must not allow it to move him, for that would be evidence of the lack of proper education or of absence of self-control. He must speak in calm and objective accents and talk about a dying child in the same way as he would about the pieces inside an internal combustion engine.
Aneurin BevanRead
I was always an independent, even when I had partners.
Samuel GoldwynRead
Ironically, when a bunch of very smart people are sitting around a table for hours trying to figure out whether they should do something, that tends to not necessarily lead to the best results.
Stephen A. SchwarzmanRead
Okay, you've convinced me. Now go out there and bring pressure on me.
Franklin D. RooseveltRead
I don't think a system or a government should fear critical opinions or views. Only by heeding those critical views would it be possible for us to further improve our work and make further progress.
Wen JiabaoRead