About this quote

The line cuts through excuses and comforts: freedom means refusing both oppression and the hunger for power. It demands personal responsibility, steady leadership, and respect for others. Apply it as a rule—lead without domination and refuse to be controlled.

When to use it

• In a team meeting, call out unfair control by saying the line and insisting on shared decision making.
• When mentoring someone, use the phrase to explain that true leadership is service, not domination.
• If a project tempts you to force others to meet targets, recall the line and choose fair accountability instead.
• Set it as a personal rule: don't accept roles that strip your autonomy, and don't take power that strips others'.