He who would rule must hear and be deaf, see and be blind

He who would rule must hear and be deaf, see and be blind

The proverb "He who would rule must hear and be deaf, see and be blind" is a powerful statement that speaks to the complexities and challenges of leadership. At first glance, it may seem contradictory or even impossible to both hear and be deaf, see and be blind. However, when we delve deeper into the meaning behind these words, we begin to understand the wisdom they hold.

To rule effectively, a leader must possess the ability to listen and take in information from those around them. They must be attuned to the needs and concerns of their people, and be willing to hear different perspectives and opinions. However, being deaf in this context does not mean ignoring what is being said, but rather being able to filter out the noise and distractions that can cloud judgment. A leader must be able to discern what is truly important and relevant, and focus on that.

Similarly, a leader must be able to see and observe the world around them, but also be blind to biases, prejudices, and personal agendas that can cloud their vision. They must be able to see the bigger picture and make decisions based on what is best for the greater good, rather than what may benefit them personally. Being blind in this sense means being able to set aside personal interests and ego, and focus on the needs of the people they serve.