Lincoln Vs Socrates

There have been many great rulers in our world’s history. Most leaders have a code they live by and follow because they aspire to be great. One great leader in our nation’s history would be Abraham Lincoln. Abraham Lincoln lead our nation through turmoil, that is, the Civil War. The Civil War tore our nation apart. If it were not for Abraham Lincoln, our nation might still be split. C.M. Latsha can be quoted as saying, “He [Lincoln] was extremely selfless and quick to forgive.” Not everyone believed Lincoln was a good ruler though. Many people have different views on what a good leader is exactly. Many people believe that only the hard and mean rulers are great while others believe the compassionate and caring leaders are most remarkable. Many …show more content…
Socrates believes that a true leader is a philosopher. He states that only philosophers can obtain knowledge therefore, they are the only ones capable of leading a governing a city. A great leader has to ask great questions like philosophers do. Michael Lindenmayer states, “This ancient philosopher [Socrates] holds the key to an essential leadership skill: ask great questions.” He claims that a philosopher is virtuous and loves the truth more than anything else. He is honest and trustworthy. A philosopher has to be intentional with what he says and does. Socrates states in book six of Republic, “Don’t you think that the true captain will be called a real stargazer, a babbler, and a good-for-nothing by those who sail in ships governed in that way?” A leader has to know what he is doing and lead his people well. Socrates believes that a philosopher, or leader, has to have a just soul and let the rational part of his soul …show more content…
Stoic philosophy, or stoicism, as described by Luke Mastin, is, “The development of self-control and fortitude as a means of overcoming destructive emotions.” Marcus Aurelius was a man of stoic philosophy, so he was very practiced in self-control. Aurelius believed that in order to be a great leader, one had to be able to control his emotions and desires. Aurelius states in book eight of his Meditations, “If you are distressed by anything external, the pain is not due to the thing itself, but to your estimate of it; and this you have the power to revoke at any moment.” Aurelius is arguing that external pain is only felt if a person believes he is in pain. It is an emotion, more-or-less, to Aurelius. A great leader is able to control his emotions, including the feeling of external pain. According to Aurelius, a good leader has much patience and tolerance. He states that there will always be evil people in the world, so be patient and tolerant towards them. Marcus Aurelius believes that a good leader is not proud, but humble and will die in