“The task of leadership is not to put greatness into humanity, but to elicit it, for the greatness is already there.”

— John Buchan, Montrose and Leadership, 1930

About John Buchan

1875 – 1940

Scottish novelist and statesman, author of "The Thirty-Nine Steps".

“There may be Peace without Joy, and Joy without Peace, but the two combined make Happiness.”

“The Simple Life is the last refuge of complicated and restless souls.”

“Happiness lies only in a divine unrest; and if you are lapped in comfort you stagnate and miss it.”

“Happiness lies not in the mere possession of money; it lies in the joy of achievement, in the thrill of creative effort.”

“The long, dull monotonous years of middle-aged prosperity or middle-aged adversity are excellent campaigning weather.”

“In all things success depends on previous preparation, and without such previous preparation there is sure to be failure.”

“I had not achieved a success; but I provoked an uproar; and the sensation was so agreeable that I resolved to try again.”

“Everyone can rise above their circumstances and achieve success if they are dedicated to and passionate about what they do.”

“It isn't enough to talk about peace. One must believe in it. And it isn't enough to believe in it. One must work at it.”