Most of the ladies and gentlemen who mourn the passing of the nation's leaders wouldn't know a leader if they saw one. If they had the bad luck to come across a leader, they would find out that he might demand something from them, and this impertinence would put an abrupt and indignant end to their wish for his return.

Summary

This quote suggests that many individuals who express grief or nostalgia for past leaders lack a true understanding of leadership. The quote implies that these people would be unfamiliar with the qualities and attributes of a genuine leader if they encountered one. It further implies that their desire for the return of a leader would cease abruptly if they were faced with the leader's demands or expectations, as they may perceive it as impertinence. Overall, the quote highlights the irony in people's longing for leaders whom they might not truly comprehend or tolerate.

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