Greatness in Leadership
Drawing From the Well of History
The Power of Example
I'd like to open this page with a personal story. For my thirteenth birthday I received the book "Profiles in Courage" by John F Kennedy, from my great aunt. This book drew me immediately and vividly, in my thirteen year old imagination, into a world of events and considerations I'd never experienced before. It also convicted me with force, in my openness, that
- this realm of government and politics mattered, and that there was much at stake
- just outcomes not only should, but could happen in this realm of life
- I should have high, and not low expectations of those who worked in it
Experiences of goodness, of beauty or truth strengthen us in our humanity : they confirm that these things can and do exist. This is a secret hope in every human heart, even before we know it consciously. And having experienced goodness, beauty, truth, we can never quite forget it.
To experience the examples of character, courage and right action in Profiles in Courage affected not just my mind, but my will. Through these experiences of history in , I learned that such matters concerned me, and had meaning for my life. But that others were loyal to the truth in their situation, tand took risks eventually on my behalf, also gave me a sense of responsibility ; responsibility to know and understand this aspect of life, and take part in it as a citizen.
The books listed here have inspired and renewed inspiration in me, now through 50 years of my life. I hope they do the same for you !
Jeff Smith RN
- this realm of government and politics mattered, and that there was much at stake
- just outcomes not only should, but could happen in this realm of life
- I should have high, and not low expectations of those who worked in it
Experiences of goodness, of beauty or truth strengthen us in our humanity : they confirm that these things can and do exist. This is a secret hope in every human heart, even before we know it consciously. And having experienced goodness, beauty, truth, we can never quite forget it.
To experience the examples of character, courage and right action in Profiles in Courage affected not just my mind, but my will. Through these experiences of history in , I learned that such matters concerned me, and had meaning for my life. But that others were loyal to the truth in their situation, tand took risks eventually on my behalf, also gave me a sense of responsibility ; responsibility to know and understand this aspect of life, and take part in it as a citizen.
The books listed here have inspired and renewed inspiration in me, now through 50 years of my life. I hope they do the same for you !
Jeff Smith RN
Washington : The Indispensable Man
Lincoln : The Prairie Years and the War Years
FDR
Profiles in Courage
* * * * *
Lincoln : The Prairie Years and the War Years
FDR
Profiles in Courage
* * * * *
This page needs more examples of exceptional leadership. I have in mind for instance works by or about Frederick Douglas, Churchill, Ghandi, Martin Luther King and Nelson Mandela. I need suggestions of definitive titles concerning these men, and other exemplary American, European and world leaders ; and especially, concerning women who've been leaders in this realm of rights !
Share this page
with friends !
To make a comment or contact us :
with friends !
To make a comment or contact us :
What Are Your Wellness Goals ?