Everything rises and falls on leadership.

Hear, O seekers of wisdom, the words of John C. Maxwell, the teacher of leaders and shepherd of men: “Everything rises and falls on leadership.” This is not a casual saying, but a truth carved deep into the history of nations, of kingdoms, of families, and of every endeavor of mankind. For leadership is the cornerstone, the guiding star, the root of success or failure. Where leadership is strong, even the weak may rise; but where leadership falters, even the mighty are brought low.

What does it mean that everything rises and falls on leadership? It means that no vision, no enterprise, no army, no nation, no community can endure without wise guidance. The leader is the compass who sets the direction, the anchor who holds firm in storms, the flame who lights the path when darkness threatens. If he falters, the people stumble. If he is strong, they ascend. Leadership is not merely a role; it is the lifeblood that sustains the body of any collective.

Consider the rise of Alexander the Great. With a small army, he marched across the known world, defeating kingdoms far larger than his own. What was the secret of his conquest? Not merely weapons or numbers, but leadership. His men followed him because he inspired them, lived among them, shared their hardships, and gave them vision of a glory beyond their imagining. His leadership made them believe they were invincible, and so they became invincible. When he died, the empire shattered, for leadership had been the binding force. Truly, everything had risen with his leadership—and fell without it.

Look also to the tragedy of Rome’s decline. For centuries, Rome stood as the greatest empire on earth. But in her later days, her leaders became corrupted, seeking pleasure over virtue, wealth over wisdom, and power over responsibility. Armies grew undisciplined, politics turned to chaos, and the people lost their unity. The fall of Rome was not the work of fate alone—it was the decay of leadership. In the end, what once ruled the world crumbled into dust because those at the helm no longer steered with vision or courage.

But leadership is not only the story of emperors and generals; it is the story of all people. Nelson Mandela, imprisoned for twenty-seven years, emerged not with bitterness but with resolve to unite a divided land. He chose forgiveness over vengeance, reconciliation over hate. Because of his leadership, South Africa rose from the ashes of oppression into the hope of a new future. Here we see the other side of Maxwell’s words: when leadership is righteous and wise, everything rises—hearts are lifted, nations are healed, and hope is restored.

The lesson, O listeners, is clear: if you would see your home, your work, your people, your dreams succeed, then guard the power of leadership. Do not think it belongs only to kings or rulers, for each of you leads—whether in your family, your friendships, your craft, or the quiet influence you cast upon others. Where you lead with courage and integrity, things will rise. Where you neglect your responsibility, they will fall. The rise and fall of your world begins with you.

Therefore, in your daily life, practice this: cultivate vision, so you know where you are going. Cultivate integrity, so others may trust you. Cultivate courage, so you may act when fear paralyzes others. Encourage those around you, for leadership is not the art of commanding, but of lifting others to heights they could not reach alone. If you do these things, you will embody the wisdom of Maxwell’s words, and wherever you walk, the things entrusted to you will rise instead of fall.

Take this teaching into your heart: “Everything rises and falls on leadership.” Let it remind you that your influence is sacred, that your choices ripple outward, and that your strength or weakness becomes the strength or weakness of those who follow. Lead well, lead wisely, and you will leave behind not only success, but a legacy that endures beyond your years.