If It is Popular, It is Never Right

Polyclitus of Sicyon, a famous sculpture, once worked at the same time on two similar statues, one in public and one in secret. For the later he consulted only his genius but for the former he accepted every bit of advice and would make every little adjustment or touch-up that his critics suggested.

After finishing both statues, he exhibited both statues in public, side by side. One statue was criticized, but that which had been the fruit of his genius was extolled endlessly.

“Athenians”, said Polyclitus, ‘the statue you criticize is your work, and the one you so admire is mine.”

(From My book Practising Spiritual Intelligence http://bit.ly/17g2KhY )

A great leader is one whom people follow and who is capable of changing the mind and heart of people. One who works on the basis of popular opinion can hardly be called a leader even if he occupies the chair of Prime Minster (PM) or Chief Minster (CM) as he only “follows” the public opinion.

Adolf Hitler was one of the most popular rulers of Germany. He used to seek referendums and plebiscites for ratification of all his important policies by the German people. In the four referendums conducted during his regime, he had the support of 90 to 99 per cent of the Germans. Yet, he grew extremely unpopular towards the end of his life. He had to commit suicide after his defeat in World War II, and is today one of the most hated men of the twentieth century.

 

Good governance is like a bitter pill that cures the patient and a good leader is like a doctor who can administer the bitter pill to the patience who takes the pills happily as he trusts the doctor. If it is true that good medicines are never sweet, it is also true that good decisions are never popular.

If it is popular then it can't be the right decision.