Paramahansa Yogananda Quotes

I don't like to be told what to do at all. That's unfortunate because a lot of people come up with good ideas and can direct you.

I believe in empowering people rather than advising them and forcing them in a direction which I feel is right.

The best way of leading people is to let them find their own way.

True freedom is understanding that we have a choice in who and what we allow to have power over us.

I have an expression I use as I've gone around the world through my career: 'You never tell another man or woman what's in their interest. They know their interest better than you know their interest.'

I will lead my people by the hand along the road until their feet are sure and they know the way. Then they may choose for themselves and rule themselves. Then my work will be done.

Surely there is a time to submit to guidance and a time to take one's own way at all hazards.

Don't underestimate the people. Let them decide.

Every people should be originators of their own destiny.

Give people enough guidance to make the decisions you want them to make. Don't tell them what to do, but encourage them to do what is best.

Without respect of my private will, you will give me that counsel you think best.

The American people cannot be driven to do anything that they do not want to do. The way to promote happiness is by moral suasion and not by force.

I am aware that I have caused you pain and anguish, but I think you will allow me to take my decision.

Without freedom there can be no morality.

We're doing what we want to do, and that's why the kids respect us.

I never liked being ordered around - which, of course, was an overreaction. I eventually found out that I didn't mind being ordered around at all when it was by someone who knew what he was doing.

There was a time my parents never listened to me. They wouldn't have forced me into marriage had they heard me out. But now, they support me.

I want to empower.

We need to see examples of empowerment, because when we see that... it seems like that's the norm.

Just because someone signed up for something or takes advice or has managers or works in entertainment or show business with other people doesn't mean they don't have a brain, okay? It doesn't mean that they're not a real person.

No, I don't want to give my people sticks. I want to give them eyes.

Autonomy is the whole thing; it's what unhappy people are missing. They have given the power to run their lives to other people.

People need to understand that the technology is for them. It's not to them. It's not over them. People still sometimes want to be led a little too much.

I think I'm in control of what I do and what I've done. I think that's the ultimate feminine power. Do as you want.

I understand how to read people, and nurture them and guide them, and let them be free to do what they want to do.