Thank you for covering this series, and summarizing it so eloquently. As a Veteran, I am tired of politicians who do not know what military service entails and who treat us as props or tools. Although I certainly will vote for any worthy politician, especially against any unworthy one, I do think it's a good thing in a leader's resume to have been in a situation where they serve the public in such a role, and I believe there's comparable roles in civilian life too, like police or fire fighters. There's nothing quite like being in a situation where you put your life on the line to make you think viscerally about the value of life. And to think about the public you place your life on the line for. I know for me, as a young man, seeing the night time flashes of mortar or cannon fire in the hills surrounding Beirut from my ship in 1983 led me to seek philosophy, as I had to evaluate my life choices and seek to understand myself better.
When I read about the past, such as in your recent book on character, I always have a parallel track in my mind that imagines the people and situations in terms of everyday life today. That way in my life I can also ask myself: what from the past literature I have read in history or philosophy applies to me now? Human nature doesn't change in scope, only in specifics.
I want reiterate I don't think military service is the only way to build good character, nor does it in itself guarantee good character- there are plenty of examples otherwise. But I look for leaders who have had experience in following, and know what they are asking of others they are leading. I encountered two interesting Latin words in my reading about George Washington. Civitas, which I believe is a true civic mindset, and gravitas, which is a depth of character. Please correct me if I am wrong here. Both words in American English usage seem sadly obsolete in today's politics and industry.
Interesting that Quintus failed to say anything about paying out lots of hush money... :-)
Funny, eh? Though corruption was a thing, and Marcus Cicero was instrumental in passing ordinances that increased the penalty for buying votes.
Thank you for covering this series, and summarizing it so eloquently. As a Veteran, I am tired of politicians who do not know what military service entails and who treat us as props or tools. Although I certainly will vote for any worthy politician, especially against any unworthy one, I do think it's a good thing in a leader's resume to have been in a situation where they serve the public in such a role, and I believe there's comparable roles in civilian life too, like police or fire fighters. There's nothing quite like being in a situation where you put your life on the line to make you think viscerally about the value of life. And to think about the public you place your life on the line for. I know for me, as a young man, seeing the night time flashes of mortar or cannon fire in the hills surrounding Beirut from my ship in 1983 led me to seek philosophy, as I had to evaluate my life choices and seek to understand myself better.
Bob, definitely an interesting perspective, thanks!
When I read about the past, such as in your recent book on character, I always have a parallel track in my mind that imagines the people and situations in terms of everyday life today. That way in my life I can also ask myself: what from the past literature I have read in history or philosophy applies to me now? Human nature doesn't change in scope, only in specifics.
I want reiterate I don't think military service is the only way to build good character, nor does it in itself guarantee good character- there are plenty of examples otherwise. But I look for leaders who have had experience in following, and know what they are asking of others they are leading. I encountered two interesting Latin words in my reading about George Washington. Civitas, which I believe is a true civic mindset, and gravitas, which is a depth of character. Please correct me if I am wrong here. Both words in American English usage seem sadly obsolete in today's politics and industry.
You are absolutely right, Bob. Modern society lacks people with civitas and gravitas, and that’s really a problem. A big one, I’d say.
Cicero for Prez! QuintT is our man! (Surely no one can dig up any dirt on him!)
Glad you liked it!
Morton, indeed. That, of course, is why I pay attention to the Greco-Romans. Because people haven’t changed much.