Traditional Leaders

Among ancient peoples, the leader is not to be found among the most corrupt and devious members of the community, or the most tricky and opportunist, or even the richest. He is not among the most grasping, or the most sectarian. Our leader is traditionally the person whom the rest of the community most respects, the person who has distinguished himself by his service to the community. His authority derives from his ethical behavior, and from his experience of life.

--Crossing Borders by Rigoberta Menchu