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He has a power and influence, both direct and indirect, which may be the means of much good or much evil.
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“He has a power and influence, both direct and indirect, which may be the means of much good or much evil.”

Richard Henry Dana Jr.

Source
The Seaman's Friend
Date
1841
Local voice
Authorial / signed preface voice · Richard Henry Dana Jr.
Meaning

Meaning of “He has a power and influence, both direct…”

Dana argues that authority magnifies personal conduct: a leader’s character can improve or damage the behavior and conditions of the people under that authority.

Source context

Where does it come from?

The Seaman's Friend, represented by Project Gutenberg #40958 (fifth edition, 1847; copyright entered 1841). Dana is discussing the master of a merchant vessel and the effect of his conduct on officers and crew. This is nineteenth-century maritime professional guidance, not current maritime law.

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Speaker context

Why the local voice matters

The Seaman's Friend. Dana describes how a shipmaster’s personal character and conduct shape officers, crew and life aboard ship; this is nineteenth-century maritime guidance.

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Themes

Ideas connected with this quotation

LeadershipResponsibilityThought-Provoking Quotes That Invite ReflectionCharacterEthics
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