How to Escape the Shadow of the Past

Alexander instinctively recognized that privileges of birth are impediments to power. Only the weak rest on their laurels and dote on past triumphs, he writes. John F. Kennedy knew the dangers of getting lost in the past by ignoring his predecessor's achievements. The son will never step out of his father's shadow unless he adopts the ruthless strategy: disparage the past or put the father in the shadows.