What does the following poem by Nobel Laureate Wislawa Szymborska have to do with leadership?


A Contribution to Statistics

Out of a hundred people,

those who know better – fifty two,

doubting every step – nearly all the rest,

glad to lend a hand if it doesn't take too long – as high as forty nine,

always good because they can’t be otherwise – four, well maybe five,

able to admire without envy – eighteen,

suffering illusions induced by fleeting youth – sixty, give or take a few,

not able to be taken lightly – forty and four,

living in constant fear of someone or something – seventy seven,

capable of happiness – twenty-something tops,

harmless singly, savage in crowds – half at least,

cruel when forced by circumstances – better not to know even ballpark figures,

wise after the face – just a couple more than wise before it,

taking only things from life – thirty (I wish I was wrong),

hunched in pain, no flashlight in the dark – eighty-three sooner or later,

righteous - thirty-five, which is a lot,

righteous and understanding – three,

worthy of compassion – ninety-nine,

mortal – a hundred. Thus far this figure remains unchanged.


- Wislawa Szymborska