In James Clavell's novel "Tai-Pan," the theme of leadership is explored through the concept of fallibility. Leaders often make decisions that have serious consequences for others, leading to significant suffering and loss. This idea reflects the burdens that come with power and the weight of responsibility that leaders carry, especially when their actions harm those they are meant to guide.

The quote emphasizes the inherent challenges of leadership, suggesting that the mistakes of a leader can result in the suffering of many. It points to the struggle of reconciling human errors with the expectations placed on those in authority, posing the question of whether true leadership is attainable when the potential for harm looms large.