“Power is given only to those who dare to lower themselves and pick it up.”

— Fyodor Dostoevsky

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“Power is given only to those who dare to lower themselves and pick it up.”

(November 11 , 1821 -- February 9 , 1881)
Origin: Russian
Known for: Novelist
Meaning
This statement posits that true authority and influence are attained by those who are willing to take on the burdens and responsibilities that others avoid. It suggests a strategic insight that leadership is a matter of courage and the willingness to engage with the "lowly" or difficult tasks of management. In the modern professional world, this underscores the idea that leaders are those who step up and take ownership of a problem when everyone else is stepping back. Entrepreneurs and ambitious professionals share this quote to remind themselves that power is a choice of action, not just a title. Dostoevsky often wrote about the psychological weight of power and the moral danger it poses to those who seek it for the wrong reasons. If you want to lead, look for the responsibilities that no one else wants and prove your worth through service and initiative.
Fyodor Dostoevsky
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Fyodor Dostoevsky

Fyodor Dostoevsky was a Russian novelist. Their most powerful quotes on life, success and human nature are collected here for daily inspiration and reflection.

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This quote is attributed to Fyodor Dostoevsky. Fyodor Dostoevsky was a Russian novelist. Their most powerful quotes on life, success and human nature are collected here for daily inspiration and reflection.

This statement posits that true authority and influence are attained by those who are willing to take on the burdens and responsibilities that others avoid. It suggests a strategic insight that leadership is a matter of courage and the willingness to engage with the "lowly" or difficult tasks of management. In the modern professional world, this underscores the idea that…

The wording and attribution are documented at en.wikiquote.org. Use the original source linked on this page to verify the exact phrasing and context.

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