Human history has been shaped by the rise and fall of different leaders throughout the course of time. Both strength and cowardice, charisma and introversion, from these leaders has left an indelible mark on society, which begs the question, what constitutes a good leader? Throughout the ages, opinions on the value of different leaders have varied. While the Chinese philosopher, Lao Tzu, emphasized positive moral change, Niccolo Machiavelli prioritized notoriety in a leader. The value of a leader is subject to change under different contexts. A children’s soccer coach employing the methods of Napoleon Bonaparte to strengthen the team would not be exulted as Napoleon was. When analyzing the different leaders presented in the Iliad, one must
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As this snake has eaten the sparrow herself with her children, eight of them, and the mother was the ninth, who bore them, so for years as many as this shall we fight in this place and in the tenth year we shall take the city of the wide ways" (2.322-329). He artfully analyzed the attitudes of the Greeks and presented the prophecy in a way that would apply specifically to their feeling of helplessness after 9 years at war. It is not known exactly what the prophecy entailed, because the specificity of Odysseus’ recollection of Kalchas’ words allude to his having adapted them to serve his own goals. When Odysseus was sent in the Embassy to Achilles, his omission of Agamemnon’s apology demonstrates his ability to subtly communicate his personal desires to others. He is quick to flatter others and brilliant to persuade them, just as modern leaders strive to be. In a democratic system of government, the art of persuasion is what imparts authority, just as noble birth would in a monarchy. The ability to adapt his speech according to the audience would allow Odysseus to promote his own interests masquerading as the common …show more content…
Though these characteristics are not as vivid in the Iliad, these skills are delineated more explicitly in the Odyssey. By continuing to tell Odysseus’ story and showcasing his cunning, Homer himself designates him to be superior in leadership. What Homer could not expect was how pertinent Odysseus’ charisma and self-control would be to the 21st century. While Odysseus’ skills could be used to incite both ethically positive or negative change, they are the tools which fuel all political decisions in a democratic society. As a character, Odysseus is equipped with all of the characteristics necessary to impose his will. In both the Iliad and the Odyssey, he always accomplishes his goals because of his prudence. In the context of modern politics, of all the leaders showcased in the Iliad, Odysseus is the only one with the necessary cunning to successfully invoke change. Because of his rhetorical acumen and remarkable self-discipline, Odysseus shows that his leadership potential supersedes the context of the Iliad, and extends as far as modern
As this snake has eaten the sparrow herself with her children, eight of them, and the mother was the ninth, who bore them, so for years as many as this shall we fight in this place and in the tenth year we shall take the city of the wide ways" (2.322-329). He artfully analyzed the attitudes of the Greeks and presented the prophecy in a way that would apply specifically to their feeling of helplessness after 9 years at war. It is not known exactly what the prophecy entailed, because the specificity of Odysseus’ recollection of Kalchas’ words allude to his having adapted them to serve his own goals. When Odysseus was sent in the Embassy to Achilles, his omission of Agamemnon’s apology demonstrates his ability to subtly communicate his personal desires to others. He is quick to flatter others and brilliant to persuade them, just as modern leaders strive to be. In a democratic system of government, the art of persuasion is what imparts authority, just as noble birth would in a monarchy. The ability to adapt his speech according to the audience would allow Odysseus to promote his own interests masquerading as the common …show more content…
Though these characteristics are not as vivid in the Iliad, these skills are delineated more explicitly in the Odyssey. By continuing to tell Odysseus’ story and showcasing his cunning, Homer himself designates him to be superior in leadership. What Homer could not expect was how pertinent Odysseus’ charisma and self-control would be to the 21st century. While Odysseus’ skills could be used to incite both ethically positive or negative change, they are the tools which fuel all political decisions in a democratic society. As a character, Odysseus is equipped with all of the characteristics necessary to impose his will. In both the Iliad and the Odyssey, he always accomplishes his goals because of his prudence. In the context of modern politics, of all the leaders showcased in the Iliad, Odysseus is the only one with the necessary cunning to successfully invoke change. Because of his rhetorical acumen and remarkable self-discipline, Odysseus shows that his leadership potential supersedes the context of the Iliad, and extends as far as modern