"روسیه به یک قدرت دولتی قوی نیاز دارد و باید آن را داشته باشد. اما من خواستار توتالیتاریسم نیستم."

The essence of this quote is that a country like Russia requires a robust and effective government to function properly. However, this doesn't mean that the government should be all-controlling or dictatorial. The idea is to strike a balance between having a strong state presence and avoiding the pitfalls of totalitarianism, where the government has unchecked power over every aspect of life.

Historically, this quote comes from Vladimir Putin, who has been a dominant figure in Russian politics for decades. He said this around the turn of the millennium when he was first becoming president. At that time, Russia was emerging from the chaotic 1990s, a period marked by economic turmoil, political instability, and a weakened central authority. Putin's statement reflects his belief that Russia needed a firm hand to maintain order and foster development, but he also wanted to assure people that this wouldn't mean a return to the oppressive Soviet regime.

To see how this works in real life, let’s look at Singapore. This small city-state transformed from a struggling former colony to one of the world’s most prosperous nations, thanks to its strong, centralized government. Under the leadership of Lee Kuan Yew, the government maintained strict policies and tight control over various aspects of society, like housing and public health, to ensure rapid development. But it wasn't a totalitarian regime. People still had the freedom to engage in business, travel, and express themselves within certain limits. The key was in the balance between state control and individual freedom.

So, how can you apply this wisdom in your own life? Think about leadership roles—whether it’s in your family, at work, or in a community group. You need to be decisive and provide clear direction, but you don’t want to micromanage every little detail. Trust your team, give them room to operate, and step in only when necessary to keep things on track. This way, you maintain a strong, effective presence without being overbearing.

Imagine you're the captain of a soccer team. Your role is to guide your teammates, set strategies, and make critical decisions during the game. But you can't be the one taking every single shot or blocking every goal—that's impossible and would likely demoralize your team. Instead, you need to trust your goalie to defend the net and your strikers to score. Your job is to keep everyone coordinated and motivated, stepping in when there’s a need for a tactical change or a morale boost. This balance between leadership and trust is what makes the team strong, not a totalitarian hold over every move on the field.

In essence, whether it’s a country, a company, or a soccer team, the idea is always the same. Strong leadership is necessary, but it should empower rather than oppress. It's about guiding with a firm hand while also respecting the autonomy and contributions of each individual.