You can lead a man to Congress, but you can't make him think.

"You can lead a man to Congress, but you can't make him think." These words by Milton Berle strike at the heart of an ancient truth about human nature and the limits of authority and education. The quote speaks to the fact that while we may guide or direct a person towards a place of influence or power, such as a position in Congress, we cannot force them to engage in thoughtful or meaningful reflection. Thinking, true critical thinking, is not something that can be imposed or commanded; it must come from within. This resonates deeply with the wisdom of the ancients, who understood that while external influences could shape a person’s actions, it is the internal life of the mind and soul that determines how one perceives the world.

In the ancient world, thinkers like Socrates and Aristotle believed that wisdom could not be dictated; it had to be cultivated through personal effort and reflection. Socrates, in his quest for truth, would ask questions that forced individuals to examine their own assumptions. In his dialogues, the people he conversed with were often led to recognize their ignorance, revealing that knowledge was not a matter of simply following authority, but of engaging deeply with the world through critical thinking. Berle’s quote mirrors this idea: a person may be placed in a position of influence or power, but unless they are open to questioning, reflecting, and thinking for themselves, their role is little more than a symbol rather than a true guide for others.

Plato, too, saw thinking as the key to human development. In his work The Republic, he described a society where philosophers—those who sought true knowledge—were best suited to rule. But even philosophers, he noted, could not simply be told to think—they had to undergo years of training, reflection, and discipline in order to understand the higher truths of existence. This teaching underscores that leadership and wisdom come not from mere access to power or titles, but from a deep and personal commitment to thinking and understanding. Berle’s words are a reminder that even those who are elevated to positions of great responsibility cannot fulfill their duties if they lack the inner capacity to think critically about the world.

In more recent history, consider the life of Abraham Lincoln, whose leadership during the American Civil War required not just political acumen but profound reflection and moral clarity. While many men could have been placed in the position of president, it was Lincoln’s ability to think deeply, to question prevailing norms, and to maintain his integrity under immense pressure that made him a truly great leader. His famous Gettysburg Address is a testament to his ability to think and reflect on the meaning of the war and the principles of equality and freedom. Lincoln did not simply follow others; he was a man who thought for himself and led through the force of his ideas, showing that true leadership is about more than title or position—it is about the depth of thought and conviction a person brings to their role.

Contrast this with those who, despite holding positions of power, fail to think critically or engage with the issues at hand. In every era, we have seen leaders who, though placed in positions of authority, remain unreflective, lacking the foresight or intellectual engagement necessary to guide society effectively. Socrates would have called these individuals “unexamined,” living lives that were driven not by reason or understanding, but by the external forces of power, tradition, or expedience. Berle’s quote captures this perfectly: one can be led to a position of power, but if they do not cultivate the ability to think, they are no better than a puppet, moving without purpose or insight.

The lesson of Berle's words is clear: true leadership and power come not from the title one holds, but from the depth of one’s thinking. To lead is to reflect, to question, and to engage with the world on a deep level. Thinking is not merely a skill but a virtue that must be actively cultivated, nurtured, and protected from the distractions of power or pride. If we are to be wise leaders—whether in politics, business, or life—we must resist the temptation to rely solely on the position we hold and instead focus on the quality of our thoughts and actions. As Socrates taught, the most important question is not "What is your title?" but "What do you know, and how have you used that knowledge to better the world?"

In practical terms, this means that we must continually question our assumptions, engage with others in meaningful ways, and seek deeper understanding rather than simply accepting things at face value. It is not enough to hold a position of authority; we must earn our leadership through the depth of our ideas, the clarity of our reasoning, and the wisdom we impart. Just as Plato emphasized the importance of philosophers ruling, so too must we recognize that our ability to lead comes from our capacity to think—not just about the world as it is, but about the world as it could be. Let us commit to thinking deeply, speaking wisely, and leading not with our titles, but with the strength of our ideas.