How to be a Leader: An Ancient Guide to Wise Leadership by Plutarch
“A leader should do anything but not everything”
"For a single wise plan defeats many hands,” and a single decision based on reason, together with persuasiveness, accomplishes the noblest and greatest of public deeds.”
“Teachers of literature and music guide their students by playing and reading aloud as an example.”
“Disregard the small and ordinary matters, and instead reserve ourselves for problems that deserve our attention.”
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“The Arcadians invited the Theban soldiers into their city to stay in their homes, but Epaminondas would not allow it. “Now they marvel at you and look on as you train in arms and wrestle,” he said, “but if they see you sitting around the fire and eating beans, they will believe that you are no different from them.” Thus, elders, when saying or doing something or being honoured, are a noble sight, while old people who pass the day on the couch or sit in the corner of a portico, talking nonsense and wiping their nose, are contemptible.”
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“Alexander did not wish to stress Bucephalus when the horse was older, and so he used to ride other horses before battle as he reviewed and arranged his troops. Then, once he had given the signal to fight, he would switch to Bucephalus and straightaway attack the enemy and run every risk. Sensible politicians likewise will apply the reins to themselves, keeping themselves out of unnecessary business, while still contending eagerly in the important affairs.”
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“People praise Epaminondas because he did not neglect his duty even when the Thebans appointed him to an insignificant office out of envy and to insult him. On the contrary, he declared that not only does an office bring distinction to a man, but a man also brings distinction to an office. Then he proceeded to transform that insignificant office into a great and respected honour, even though previously it had involved nothing more than overseeing the clearing of dung and the diverting of water from the streets.”
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“When power appears to be distributed among many people, not only are we less troubled by an accumulation of envy, but we are also more capable of accomplishing what must be done. For just as the division of the hand into fingers does not render it weak but instead makes it a usable and practical instrument, so those who share political power with others make the work of government more effective by their cooperation.”
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“Moreover, you must understand your own nature. When you are faced with a task that you are not best suited to accomplish, select as your colleagues those who are more capable rather than those who are like you.”
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