One has to have the strength of character to say the time has

Kofi Annan, the quiet diplomat whose words carried the weight of continents, once declared: “One has to have the strength of character to say the time has come to move on… unless you are a king.” These words, though spoken with his usual calm, strike with the force of prophecy. For he reminds us that leadership is not only about holding power, but about knowing when to let it go. To remain too long, to cling to authority when its season has passed, is to risk turning stewardship into tyranny. But to depart with dignity, at the height of one’s service, is the mark of true strength of character.

The meaning of this saying lies in humility and wisdom. Annan teaches that it requires great courage to recognize when one’s task is complete, and even greater courage to step aside so others may rise. Many can seize power, and many can cling to it, but few possess the inner strength to walk away freely. Only a king, bound by birth and law, is excused from this duty—for his throne is not chosen but inherited. For all others, especially leaders of nations, institutions, or movements, the noblest act is not in grasping endlessly for power, but in letting go when the time has come.

The origin of these words is deeply tied to Annan’s life as Secretary-General of the United Nations. Having served two terms, he could have attempted to extend his tenure, as many leaders before him had tried to prolong their influence. Yet Annan believed in the principle of transition, that renewal is vital for institutions to flourish. His words reflect not only his personal decision to step down but also his vision for the world: that leaders must have the discipline to resist clinging to office, lest their own ambition overshadow the mission they were entrusted to serve.

History offers many examples to illuminate this truth. Consider George Washington, who after leading America through its birth, chose not to cling to power but to retire after two terms. By stepping down voluntarily, he established a precedent of humility and renewal that preserved the republic. Contrast him with rulers who clung to their thrones—emperors, dictators, and generals—who, by refusing to “move on,” dragged their nations into ruin. Annan’s words echo through these examples: it is strength of character that separates the leader who serves from the tyrant who enslaves.

The imagery of this quote is vivid: a man standing at the edge of his season of power, with two paths before him. One path clings, fearing irrelevance, desperate to remain the center. The other path lets go, entrusting the future to new hands, walking away with dignity intact. To choose the second path demands far greater strength, for it requires faith, humility, and the courage to live not for self, but for the larger cause. Few can walk this path—but those who do are remembered as noble.

The lesson for us is clear: whether in leadership, in career, or in personal life, we must cultivate the wisdom to know when to move on. Not every position, not every relationship, not every role is meant to be held forever. To cling too long out of fear or pride is to strangle growth, both for ourselves and for others. But to step aside at the right moment is to open the door for renewal, to make way for the next chapter, and to show that true greatness lies not in endless possession, but in gracious surrender.

Practically, this means examining our lives with honesty. Ask yourself: am I holding on out of service, or out of fear of losing control? Am I remaining because I am still needed, or because I cannot bear to let go? Seek the counsel of trusted companions, and have the courage to step aside when the time is ripe. In this act, you will discover that letting go is not the end of strength—it is its highest expression.

So let Kofi Annan’s words be remembered as ancient wisdom: “One has to have the strength of character to say the time has come to move on… unless you are a king.” Let every leader, every worker, every soul who grasps too tightly to power reflect upon this truth. For the measure of greatness is not only how one rises, but also how one departs. And in that final act of humility, true strength is revealed.