The quote, “He who is to be a good ruler must have first been ruled,” suggests that effective leadership is born out of the experience of being led. It implies that a person who has been under the authority of another has a greater understanding of the nuances of leadership. This person has seen the impacts of decisions made by those in power and felt the effects of those decisions, which can provide invaluable insight into how to lead others.

This idea can be likened to an apprenticeship, where one learns by observing and experiencing the work firsthand before taking the helm. The experience of being ruled provides a unique perspective that can help shape one’s leadership style. It can teach empathy, understanding, and respect for those being led, as the individual has been in their shoes. It can also provide a clear understanding of the effects of various leadership styles, and the outcomes they produce.

In the context of personal development, the principle enshrined in this quote can be applied to various scenarios. For instance, before taking on a leadership role in a community service project, one might first volunteer under the guidance of an experienced leader. This way, they can learn from their experiences, observe the leader’s strategies, and understand the group dynamics, which can later help them when they assume a leadership role.

In today’s world, this concept can be applied in corporate, political, and social contexts. Before becoming a CEO, one often works in lower-level positions within the company, learning the ropes and understanding the organization from the ground up. Similarly, many politicians start their careers in public service in lower positions before running for higher office. This gives them a sense of the challenges and realities at every level, which can inform their decision-making when they are in positions of power.

In essence, the quote underscores the importance of experience, empathy, and understanding in leadership. It suggests that those who have been ruled have a unique perspective and are often better equipped to lead, as they have firsthand knowledge of the impacts of leadership decisions.