All great leaders find a sense of balance through their levels of reception. For instance, those who support a leader may soften him, those who ignore him may challenge him, and those who oppose him may stroke his ego.

When you have wit of your own, it's a pleasure to credit other people for theirs.

Misguided good men are more dangerous than honest bad men. It is because they are seen as good that, in and by good conscience, the mob will always, stubbornly back them without question.

When you're appeasing too much, you might be egotistically over-estimating everyone's need for your approval.