In this enlightening discussion, Plutarch, a renowned biographer and essayist, shares his wisdom on leadership cultivated from studying great figures of antiquity. He emphasizes the importance of selflessness in true leadership, where the welfare of others takes precedence. Plutarch also highlights the significance of moral education and character in governance. He contrasts effective leaders with those who seek dominance, advocating for humility and community service as foundational traits. Join in for a profound exploration of what it means to lead wisely.
Plutark argues that educated leaders prioritize the welfare of their constituents rather than their own power.
Reason, conditioned by philosophy, should govern leaders and guide their decisions to ensure effective and responsible governance.
Deep dives
The Importance of Educated Leaders
Plutark argues that educated leaders prioritize the welfare of their constituents rather than their own power. By being exposed to moral philosophy, leaders can develop reason and control their emotions, resulting in benevolent governance. Uneducated leaders, driven by greed and insecurity, focus on personal gain and misuse their power. Plutark emphasizes the need for leaders to assimilate themselves to the ideal of God, who represents reason and moral virtue.
The Role of Reason in Governance
According to Plutark, reason, conditioned by philosophy, should govern leaders and guide their decisions. Reason acts as a counselor and protector, ensuring that leaders act in the best interest of their constituents. By allowing reason to govern them, leaders can maintain stability and effectively govern their cities. The ideal leader is one who exhibits virtue, sets an example of righteousness, and promotes the moral development of their citizens.
The Dangers of Unskilled Leadership
Plutark warns against unskilled leaders who lack intelligence, but hold positions of power. Such leaders are prone to corruption, making poor decisions, and causing harm to their constituents. The combination of power and lack of intelligence amplifies their vices. Plutark highlights the importance of leaders possessing both intelligence and power, governed by reason, to ensure effective and responsible governance.
Leadership as a Service to the People
Plutark emphasizes that political leadership is a service to the people, with the aim of dispersing noble gifts and protecting their welfare. Leaders should prioritize the well-being of their fellow citizens over personal gain or glory. Plutark emphasizes the significance of just and moral leadership, comparing it to the radiance of the sun, which exemplifies the virtue of God. Good political leadership is not solely about executing specific policies, but about the moral development of leaders themselves.
As one of history’s most important biographers and essayists, Plutarch studied deeply the traits of great Greek and Roman leaders to identify just what it is that made them great. In today’s audiobook reading, Ryan shares an excerpt from How to Be a Leader: An Ancient Guide to Wise Leadership, in which Plutarch clearly and succinctly lays out his thoughts on the subject, as well as his advice to anyone striving to become a leader. This book is part of the fantastic Princeton University Ancient Wisdom for Modern Readers series, which you can find at The Painted Porch.