No government prospers by saying, 'I don't need to do anything. Just by being there, we have made the country thrive.'
When in doubt, mumble; when in trouble, delegate; when in charge, ponder.
The policy of the public authorities of never taking an initiative, and always waiting to be urged to do their duty, is fatal in a ward where there is no initiative among the citizens.
Failure -- The man who can tell others what to do and how to do it, but never does it himself.
Heaven's Way does not contend, yet it certainly triumphs. It does not speak, yet it certainly answers. It does not summon, yet things come by themselves. It seems to be at rest, yet it certainly has a plan.
Action or inaction are both forms of leadership and standard setting.
I do not act, and people become reformed by themselves.
The best kind of politician is the one who doesn’t do anything—he can’t screw things up.
Give orders, and do no more, and nothing will get done.
[Ronald Reagan resembles:] a Turkish pasha, passively letting his subjects serve him.
I can't tell you how many meetings I open up with, 'My voice is last.' I don't want anybody to hear my opinion before I hear everybody else's opinion.