Leadership In The Odyssey

During periods of Greek, Indian, and Chinese civilization, leadership became a fundamental aspect of proper government. A strong leader was essential to maintaining stability, social order, and ensuring continued prosperity for the state. Only those who made decisions toward societal advancement would have the right to govern. Upon a thorough examination of Homer’s Odyssey, Ashvagosha’s Life of Buddha, and Confucius’s Analects, we can see a gradual evolution in the presentation of the ideal human being. Each text has a unique method of conveying its message to readers, yet the three collectively show the necessary attributes, behavior, and mentality of an exceptional leader. As a work of Greek mythology, The Odyssey illustrates the need …show more content…
When venturing to the land of the Cyclops to find food, Odysseus and his crew find themselves trapped by “an immense stone [a] monster wedged to block his cave.” Odysseus immediately volunteers “to steal up to [Polyphemus], draw the sharp sword / and stab his chest”, yet realizes that this would render them unable to escape. Faced with death in the hands of a seemingly insurmountable adversary who “rip[s] [men] limb from limb to fix his meal”, Odysseus persists indefatigably in his attempts to escape. By remaining optimistic, the Greek king is a source of positive energy and inspiration for those around him. He astutely devises a plan to outwit Polyphemus by intoxicating him with wine, then blinding him by driving a stake into his eye. With this act, Odysseus demonstrates audaciousness and cunning. He unites his men under one common cause and encourages cooperation among them. However, his fearlessness provokes Polyphemus’s father, “Poseidon, god of the sea-blue mane”, who ensures that Odysseus will “come home late” with “all shipmates lost.” Following this incident, Odysseus’s men encounter a “nymph with lovely braids” (Circe) who transforms them “into swine—with grunts [and] snouts” on