Boutros Boutros-Ghali Quotes

If the United Nations would not take responsibility in time of peril, by what right should it claim authority when the danger is passed.

To command is to serve, nothing more and nothing less.

You can only govern men by serving them. The rule is without exception.

I wonder truly at your insolence, that, whereas by God's favor and mine, you have occupied the rank and office of the wise, you have neglected the studies and labors of the wise. Either, therefore, at once give up the discharge of the temporal duties which you hold, or endeavor more zealously to study the lessons of wisdom. Such are my commands.

Queens perhaps perform better in the role of monarch because they never take their position for granted. Many kings have failed because they believed that the public would love them whatever they did. Queens knew better.

The greater the power that deigns to serve you, the more honor it demands of you.

Admitting, however, for the sake of argument, that I am prime and sole minister in this country, am I, therefore, prime and sole minister of all Europe? Am I answerable for the conduct of other countries as well as for that of my own?

Woe to him that claims obedience when it is not due; woe to him that refuses it when it is.

I am the guardian of power, not its owner.

If you are the master be sometimes blind, if you are the servant be sometimes deaf.

I know the title of a King is a glorious title, but assure yourself that the shining glory of princely authority hath not so dazzled the eyes of our understanding, but that we well know and remember that we also are to yield an account of our actions before the Great Judge.

We cannot cede our moral authority to multinational debating societies.

The White House Chief of Staff must always remember that he is staff and not chief.

It's not everybody that can handle firing Denzel Washington or coming to blows and saying, 'This is what's happening because I said so.' Usually, it's the reverse.

I learned at a very early age, listening to those around my family, that in order to be a commander, you had to walk your post.

Show respect for those in power, but do not follow them blindly.

Why is everything always my decision?" I asked. Because you will not tolerate anything else." Oh, I remembered now. "Great", I whispered. - Anita to Jean-Claude

Leadership is not a popularity contest; it's about leaving your ego at the door. The name of the game is to lead without a title.

Power without abuse loses its charm.

Good servants frequently make good masters.

And then when they picked me as premiere, I don't think I feel, you know, different. For me, the position mean responsibility, but that's all.

Next to power without honor, the most dangerous thing in the world is power without humor.

I think that there is never an indispensable leader, you know? I think that there is a time with dignity that one needs to leave.

I have been given the authority over you, and I am not the best of you. If I do well, help me; and if I do wrong, set me right. Sincere regard for truth.

If thou art a master, be sometimes blind; if a servant, sometimes deaf.