This quote underscores the profound link between leadership, sacrifice, and influence. A leader with a compelling vision often demands commitment and perseverance from their followers, which naturally involves sacrifice. The degree of such sacrifice acts as a form of litmus test—those willing to endure hardship for the sake of the vision tend to be more committed and aligned with the leader's purpose. Typically, leaders who advocate for significant change or who chart uncharted territories require their followers to relinquish comfort, complacency, or even personal gains for the cause. As the sacrifices increase, only those with strong conviction and resilience are likely to remain, creating a dedicated and cohesive group. This concept reflects real-world leadership scenarios—they often attract followers at different commitment levels, shaped by their willingness to give up certain things for the greater good. When leaders emphasize shared sacrifice, it can forge a stronger sense of community and purpose, but it also narrows the pool to those genuinely aligned with the goal. Conversely, a lesser demand for sacrifice might attract a larger, more diverse group, yet perhaps with less commitment. Ultimately, the quote reminds us that true leadership involves inspiring others to see beyond their immediate needs and to invest personally for a cause. It also highlights that the magnitude of sacrifice is both a test and a reflection of the leader's vision—only a powerful and compelling vision can evoke significant sacrifice, thereby shaping the size and quality of the followers.