R. Buckminster Fuller Quotes

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

A statesman gains little by the arbitrary exercise of ironclad authority upon all occasions that offer, for this wounds the just pride of his subordinates, and thus tends to undermine his strength. A little concession, now and then, where it can do no harm is the wiser policy

If You are mighty, gain respect through knowledge and gentleness of speech. Do not command except as is fitting.

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

If you command wisely, you'll be obeyed cheerfully.

He who has great power should use it lightly.

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

Magnanimity in politics is not seldom the truest wisdom; and a great empire and little minds go ill together.

I am only the Security Council's servant, though not always its humble one.

I have neither eye to see, nor tongue to speak here, but as the House is pleased to direct me.

Be not arrogant because of that which you know; deal with the ignorant as with the learned

If you don't understand that you work for your mislabeled 'subordinates', then you know nothing of leadership. You know only tyranny.

When strong, be merciful, if you would have the respect, not the fear of your neighbors.

Obedience keeps the rules. Love knows when to break them.

We should keep silent about those in power; to speak well of them almost implies flattery; to speak ill of them while they are alive is dangerous, and when they are dead is cowardly.

A dose of humility goes a long way in life and in politics.

Humor, humility, and, of course, honesty, all are qualities that work in public and cultural diplomacy.

Power is dangerous unless you have humility.

True wisdom listens more, talks less and can get along with all types of people.

I am sometimes a fox and sometimes a lion. The whole secret of government lies in knowing when to be the one or the other.

Great men always pay deference to greater.

It is essential to employ, trust, and reward those whose perspective, ability, and judgment are radically different from yours. It is also rare, for it requires uncommon humility, tolerance, and wisdom.

And I particularly like the whole thing of being boss. Boss and employee... It's the slave quality that I find very alluring.

It is often necessary to know how to obey a woman in order sometimes to have the right to command her.

It is always well to accept your own shortcomings with candor but to regard those of your friends with polite incredulity.