Few of you will think you have time to read this very long essay from “The Daily Stoic” about the traits and characteristics of a great leader:
https://dailystoic.com/leadership.
I would urge you, however, to find the time. It beats TV and Twitter. The focus is on the Roman emperor and general, Marcus Aurelius, with examinations of modern figures, such as General James Mattis, and historical personalities like George Washington and Dwight Eisenhower. Although President Trump is directly mentioned only once, as an example of a bad leader, the essay is in sum a scathing indictment of his leadership attributes — or lack thereof. In most ways, Trump is the Anti-Aurelius. Likewise, the principles in the essay can be read as a sharp criticism of the toadies and sycophants with whom he has surrounded himself, as well as of the moral cowards in the House and Senate. As the 2020 elections draw ever closer, we should remember that in a Republic like ours the quality of the people we elect mirror our qualities as citizens.
I don’t care for Trump and I did not vote for him, but I know plenty of people who did, including family members. I wish his opponents, particularly the Democrats, would think long and hard on why so many people thought they deserved to have Trump inflicted upon them. It may be true that the quality of leaders reflects upon the quality of citizens, but perhaps in this case it suggests that his opponents are worse than he is and his supporters were simply infuriated. Obama’s legacy will forever be Trump. Let’s try not to do that again.
Really enjoyed Hunter’s Moon, by the way.
Will you be at the Tuscon Festival of Books?
Thank you for this wisdom, which challenges and inspires and fills my mind with high examples of leaders I have known and leaders I have observed. I read the core article through and will keep it around to follow down the links provided. (It happens that I have just become aware of “amor fati” from a late-life reading Nietzsche.) I have a copy of “Meditations” in my queue, acquired in response to your first mention of the Stoics, though it kept being piled upon. I promise I will read in these first few months of 2020, with the expectation that I may keep it to hand thereafter. It is my great pleasure to hear from you.
At Marquette in 1969 I took a course in communism and socialism.
It was very good and astonishly unconvincing.
Years later I found the rabidly anti capitalist teacher demanded the highest salary and number 1 parking spot.
I then took a class on critical thinking.
So I realize that the cray Trump supersedes the anti American radical government controlled Warren Sanders madness.
Read false premise false promise the failure of Canadian and UK medicine for all, quality for none.