Love or fear: which is preferable
“Gateway to Statesmanship: Selections from Xenophon to Churchill” – A Book to Revive Faith in Leadership
“Americans no longer have faith in their leaders,” claims John Burtka in his captivating new book. In ”Gateway to Statesmanship: Selections from Xenophon to Churchill,” Burtka aims to address this crisis by presenting excerpts from 20 influential works that once guided Western leaders for generations.
Burtka’s selection includes timeless classics like Xenophon’s “The Education of Cyrus” and Cicero’s “Moral Duties,” but he also incorporates Eastern influences such as Kautilya’s “Arthasastra” and Han Fei’s “The Difficulty of Persuasion.” To bring his canon into the modern era, Burtka includes works from notable figures like George Washington, Theodore Roosevelt, and the iconic Winston Churchill.
Not Every Admonition is Worthy of Imitation
“Not every admonition in this book is worthy of imitation,” Burtka acknowledges. “Some are downright evil.” While he doesn’t explicitly mention it, it’s likely that Niccolo Machiavelli’s “The Prince” falls into this category of advice not “worthy of imitation.” Burtka argues that Machiavelli’s bold separation of politics and religion marked the end of Christendom, accelerating a centuries-long process of secularization.
Burtka seems to favor Erasmus of Rotterdam, a contemporary of Machiavelli, who aimed to reform the Catholic Church from within. Burtka describes Erasmus as possessing ”the greatest mind of the Christian humanists.”
Machiavelli’s Understanding of True Statesmanship
However, in the excerpts presented by Burtka, Machiavelli appears to have a superior understanding of what true statesmanship requires. In Chapter 17 of “The Prince,” Machiavelli asserts that a prince should be considered clement rather than cruel, but must also be cautious not to misuse his clemency.
Machiavelli further argues that as long as a prince keeps his subjects united and loyal, he shouldn’t worry about being labeled as cruel. He believes that a few examples of punishment are more merciful than excessive mercy, which can lead to disorder, murders, and robberies that harm the entire population.
Just a few paragraphs later, Machiavelli famously ponders whether it is better to be loved or feared. He concludes that it is ideal to be both, but if forced to choose, it is safer to be feared.
Contrasting Approaches: Machiavelli vs. Erasmus
Erasmus, on the other hand, emphasizes the importance of a prince maintaining the affections of his subjects. He believes that characteristics like clemency, affability, fairness, courtesy, and kindliness are crucial in winning the hearts of the people. Erasmus argues that these qualities inspire better efforts, offer hope for redemption, and foster a positive reflection on human nature.
In today’s world, where Democrats often prioritize leniency over enforcing laws and addressing crime, the need for leaders to choose fear over love has become increasingly apparent. Machiavelli’s insight into the consequences of excessive mercy resonates strongly, and it’s a lesson that more politicians should heed.
If only more Democrats had read their Machiavelli, perhaps our nation would be better equipped to tackle the challenges we face.
How does Erasmus emphasize the importance of ethical leadership in his work “The Education of a Christian Prince”?
Thin, rather than tear it apart. In his work “The Education of a Christian Prince,” Erasmus emphasized the importance of ethical leadership, promoting virtues such as humility, honesty, and kindness. Burtka believes that leaders who follow Erasmus’ principles can inspire trust and faith in their followers, fostering a more cohesive and just society.
“Gateway to Statesmanship” also delves into the complexities of leadership, exploring the challenges faced by leaders throughout history. The excerpts uncover the strategic genius of military leaders like Sun Tzu and Julius Caesar, as well as the political acumen of statesmen like Thomas Jefferson and Abraham Lincoln. By examining both successes and failures, Burtka aims to provide a comprehensive understanding of the responsibilities and qualities of effective leaders.
In addition to highlighting influential works, Burtka provides insightful commentary and analysis to guide readers through the historical and cultural context of each selection. This allows readers to grasp the significance of these texts and extract valuable lessons applicable to contemporary leadership.
A Call to Restore Faith in Leadership
Burtka’s “Gateway to Statesmanship” serves as a call to action to revive faith in leadership. He argues that the decline of faith in leaders stems partly from a lack of exposure to the wisdom and experiences of historical figures who successfully governed in times of crisis. By exposing readers to the thoughts and actions of these renowned leaders, Burtka hopes to reignite the belief that great leaders can effect positive change.
Moreover, Burtka stresses the relevance of these timeless works in today’s world. He provides examples of contemporary leaders who have drawn inspiration from the wisdom of their predecessors, including Nelson Mandela and Barack Obama. Through their actions, these leaders have demonstrated the enduring value of the principles espoused in the texts included in “Gateway to Statesmanship.”
“Gateway to Statesmanship: Selections from Xenophon to Churchill” is not only a book for aspiring leaders; it is a source of inspiration for anyone seeking a better understanding of what it means to govern with integrity and purpose. Burtka’s carefully curated selection and insightful commentary make it a valuable resource for individuals wishing to restore faith in leadership, both in the United States and around the world.
Ultimately, Burtka’s work reminds us that leadership is not a mere title or position, but a profound responsibility. Through the exploration of historical texts, he offers a pathway to rediscover the qualities that make a great leader, stirring hope for a brighter future.
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