"The leader must aim high, see big, judge widely, thus setting himself apart form the ordinary people who debate in narrow confines"

Leadership requires more than merely occupying a position of authority; it is fundamentally about envisioning what lies beyond the present reality and inspiring others to pursue it. Charles de Gaulle asserts that true leaders distinguish themselves by their capacity to set lofty goals and maintain a broad perspective. A leader “must aim high,” suggesting the necessity to elevate aspirations not just for personal accomplishment, but for the collective advancement of the group, organization, or nation they lead. It implies courage, ambition, and a refusal to settle for mediocrity.

To “see big” implies embracing complexity and possibility. Leaders ought not to be confined by the limitations of their immediate circumstances or traditional thinking, but rather, they should cultivate the ability to perceive opportunities and risks that exist on a larger scale. By adopting a broad vision, they guide others through uncertainty, offering a sense of direction that ordinary debate—often constrained by petty concerns—fails to provide.

Judging “widely” speaks to discernment. It highlights a leader’s responsibility to consider a range of perspectives, gather information from diverse sources, and weigh the possible impacts of their decisions. Instead of being swayed by narrow special interests or personal biases, they recognize the interconnectedness of issues and the broader context in which decisions are made.

De Gaulle draws an explicit contrast between such leaders and those “ordinary people who debate in narrow confines.” Here, he critiques limited, insular thinking that focuses only on immediate problems or superficial details without grasping their larger significance. This limitation, often found in groupthink or bureaucratic inertia, leads to stagnation.

Ultimately, the passage urges those who would lead to continuously expand their worldview, strive for excellence, and make decisions grounded in wisdom and ambition. Only by stepping outside narrow debates and seeking a wider horizon can a leader truly set themselves “apart” and fulfill their unique responsibilities.