But Herbert was also speaking in a context of a rigid social structure. Any leader came not from the masses but an elite social class, royal houses. Even those that seemed to come from the masses inevitably would turn out to be elites in hiding. Or they would quickly step aside to make room for someone of better blood. So the wisdom of the quote is that if one must choose between two princes, the prince that does not want power should ascend over his ambitious brother. It does not mean looking for leaders amongst the lower orders.