The Art of Manliness #571: The Voyage of Character
Dec 23, 2019
Admiral James Stavridis, a former commander of NATO and current dean at Tufts, delves into the essence of character in leadership through profiles of ten historic admirals. He shares fascinating insights about figures like Themistocles and Horatio Nelson, highlighting their admirable qualities and flaws. The discussion reveals how character influences decision-making and leadership success. Stavridis emphasizes the importance of resilience, adaptability, and moral integrity, offering timeless lessons applicable to both personal and professional development.
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Leadership vs. Character
- Leadership is the ability to influence others, but it can be used for good or evil.
- Character, the human heart, determines how leadership is used.
Themistocles: Triumph and Tragedy
- Themistocles, a Greek admiral, inspired his outnumbered free men to defeat the Persian navy.
- Despite his victory, his arrogance led to his banishment, highlighting that strengths can become weaknesses.
Zheng He: Resilience Personified
- Zheng He, a Chinese admiral, overcame being enslaved and castrated as a child.
- He rose to lead impressive voyages, demonstrating remarkable resilience.
