Some Principles of Public Leadership – Sunday, October 22, 1944
No matter when men live, and no matter what kind of society they live in, they always find themselves with some kind of leadership in matters pertaining to the common welfare. In some types of society a leader is a leader as long as he chooses to be, or until some undeniable circumstance displaces him. In other types of society a leader is a leader only so long as the majority of the people he serves, desire him to be, in accordance with established laws and procedures.
Some ardently seek offices of public leadership; some are sincerely reluctant to do so, but are sought by the office. Some leaders are born, some appointed, some self-imposed, and some elected. But regardless of differences in leaders, and regardless of differences in the manner of their choosing, of this we may be sure: there will always be leaders, as there always have been; and men, whoever they are and wherever they may be, will always follow the leadership of someone.
Now since we are a nation that has the privilege and the responsibility of choosing its public leadership, rather than having it thrust upon us, and since we are again nearing that time when thousands of public servants and public officers will be selected, perhaps it would be in order to suggest to ourselves what we might look for in those who seek office. In the selection of a public servant, there are at least two important considerations, among many others, of which we should ever be mindful: One is the personal life and integrity of the individual—his record as a man. And the other is the public principles and policies to which he is committed. Both are important, because no matter what the avowed public principles of a candidate for office, if he hasn’t been able to order his private life with wisdom and restraint, one may well ask how he can order public affairs wisely and safely.
It is written: “Wherefore, honest men and wise men should be sought for diligently, and good men and wise men ye should observe to uphold…. When the wicked rule, the people mourn.” (Doctrine and Covenants 98:10 and 9). In public affairs as in private life, safety lies first in good men, and more especially in good men publicly committed to sound principles. Of these things a free people may well be mindful, as they face the privilege and obligation of choosing their public leadership from among the thousands who aspire to office.
Heard over Radio Station KSL and the nationwide Columbia Broadcasting System from the Tabernacle, Temple Square, Salt Lake City, Sunday, Oct. 22, 1944. Copyright – 1944.
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October 22, 1944
Broadcast Number 0,792