Column by Greg Burleson
Great Leaders
Perception and Reality
3/29/2013- As historians, we rarely deal with concrete facts, but instead must investigate centuries of objectified opinions and interpreted realities. The purpose of this investigation in leadership will be to focus on understanding the conflicting perspectives historians confront on a daily basis. While I have already raised the Alexander conundrum, this debate is rooted in unanswered questions in contrast to different opinions. For this exploration, I confront the question of perception with a very unique method and allow you to infer the question at hand.
War and Peace
3/22/2013- For the first half of this overall column, I have intentionally neglected to mention military commanders as great world leaders. The fact is, while these individuals are influential in their era, they rarely make lasting impacts or exemplify anything more than brutality. For example, Genghis Khan had nearly unrivaled military success and ruled over the largest empire the world has ever seen. Despite this, Genghis Khan’s empire amounted to nothing. The fact is, while his empire was large, he likely had little control over what actually happened within his conquered boarders. While this example is a relatively common one, it is not completely universal.
On Charisma
3/15/2013- Beware the Ides of March. As previously mentioned, this examination in leadership will deal with an anti-Augustus figure whom literature has deified nearly as well as his own countrymen who literally deified him. I am of course speaking of Julius Caesar, Augustus’ adoptive father and a man whom most know suprisingly little about.
Ruling From the Shadows
3/8/2013- To this point in the Great Leaders column, no individual has been highlighted as a particular standout as the greatest leader of all-time. Each candidate has had flaws ranging from blind ambition to being fictional. This exploration in leadership will connect the concepts of many of the previous issues, while centering on a character who manages to have none of these faults, while quite incredibly having all of these faults. The man of whom I speak is of unquestioned brilliance and is among the most emulated people of all-time. Through his pure and unrivaled skill as a world leader, this man ruled Rome as an emperor while Rome was still a republic.
The Steel Roman
3/1/2013- At the height of the RomanRepublic, wealthy Romans spent private money on public works and spectacles in an attempt to gain honor or dignitas. This endeavor was also a ploy to gain votes for office and while this seems questionable to us, it is a significant reason why we have a wealth of surviving ancient monuments. While wealthy individuals in Roman times had much to gain through donating money, one can imagine a Rome like culture in which prominent members of society donate personal wealth for the greater good. This type of society would be greatly enhanced through the actions of a selfless few.
On Extremes of Passion
2/22/2013- Previously, we have seen the limitations oratory has in leadership. While a charismatic figure can sway popular opinion, when push comes to shove, this type of leader lacks fortitude. In comparison, a person who leads with passion will always capture the minds and hearts of the average person. There is a certain undeniable attraction to passion which is hardwired in our heads. When these leaders speak, it is not their words which sway us, but instead their genuine nature. Leading through example, these leaders often find themselves in harm’s way. In moments of tragedy, these leaders can be stricken own as any mortal can; however, their passion will always remain.
The Hazards of Ambition
2/15/2013- Four-hundred and eighty years before the start of the Common Era, three-hundred Spartan hoplites gathered at a mountain pass to defend Greece. While this statement is the most factual misconception you will ever hear, to challenge it is beyond the reach of this examination in leadership. Instead, let your minds race to Thermopylae as we examine the rise and fall of the greatest politician of this period; and this is likely not the man you are thinking of.
Absolute Power
2/08/2013- “Power corrupts, and absolute power corrupts absolutely.” When British born Lord Acton penned this phrase, he may as well have been talking of essentually any person who attains any level of power. The concept is not difficult and takes little to defend. This idea is; however, not universal. The topic of this examination in history is about two men who upon reaching the height of their power, gave it up. While these men are not the perfect or “ideal” leaer we seen in the fictional Captain America, they are about as close as any mortal man can be.
Have you got a little Captain in you?
2/01/2013- An examination of leadership is not an endeavor which I take lightly. This topic includes the most charismatic and dynamic actors in the world’s stage. This is not a biographical series of significant world leaders, nor is it any sort of compilation or worship of success. Instead, we will focus on the traits, behaviors, and dynamic individuals that have shaped Western Civilization over the last twenty-five hundred years. An appropriate place to begin this topic is precisely where one expects to find no candidates; we will discuss the ideal leader.
The Cave 