Ash P. answered • 12/30/24
Experienced in K-12 math, English/writing, and psychology.
1. The responsibilities of power are in service and duty to the people who are being served.
Pro Argument:
The idea that power should be used for service to the people is evident in George Washington's “Farewell Address”, where he stresses that leaders should be guided by a sense of duty to the public and act for the common good. Washington warns against selfish ambition, advising leaders to “guard against the impostures of pretended patriotism” and always prioritize the welfare of the people. His call for leaders to remain humble and serve their country reflects the belief that the responsibilities of power are to be used in the service of others.
Con Argument:
However, power can sometimes corrupt leaders, and history shows that those who hold power may not always act in the best interest of the people. In “Ozymandias” by Percy Bysshe Shelley, the poem depicts the downfall of a powerful king, Ozymandias, whose arrogance led him to prioritize his own glory over the welfare of his people. The ruined statue, “Look on my works, ye mighty, and despair,” reveals how the pursuit of personal legacy and power can lead to tyranny, neglecting the true responsibilities to those who are governed. This serves as a cautionary tale that power, when abused, often moves away from service to the people.
2. True leaders are of sound moral character.
Pro Argument:
In The Odyssey, Odysseus embodies the importance of moral integrity in leadership. Although he makes mistakes, his leadership qualities, such as bravery, wisdom, and loyalty, ultimately help him guide his men through numerous trials. His sound moral character enables him to earn the respect of both gods and men, and he consistently acts in ways that benefit his crew, such as when he saves them from the Cyclops. The moral strength of leaders like Odysseus underscores the idea that true leadership is rooted in ethical decisions and actions.
Con Argument:
However, moral character alone may not always define effective leadership, especially in difficult or complex situations. In George Washington's “Farewell Address”, he urges the avoidance of political parties, but his own leadership wasn't always purely moral. For instance, Washington owned slaves and relied on their labor for his wealth. This contradiction between his moral rhetoric and his actions shows that even leaders who present themselves as morally upright can fall short in practice. This challenges the notion that true leadership is solely defined by sound moral character.
3. To achieve success, good leaders need to assert dominance.
Pro Argument:
In The Odyssey, Odysseus often needs to assert his dominance to achieve his goals, particularly when dealing with threats like the Cyclops or the suitors at his home. His cleverness and ability to dominate his enemies allow him to protect his men and reclaim his kingdom. The ability to assert control over situations and individuals is a key trait that allows Odysseus to succeed in his long journey home, illustrating that dominance can sometimes be necessary for success.
Con Argument:
However, “Ozymandias” offers a powerful critique of the idea that dominance alone leads to success. Ozymandias’ arrogance and desire for control, symbolized by his colossal statue, ultimately result in his downfall. The inscription on the statue, boasting of his power, now stands in ruins, highlighting how excessive dominance, rather than earning respect, can lead to alienation and collapse. True success in leadership, as this poem suggests, does not come from asserting dominance but from wisdom, humility, and respect for others.
4. ___________, ___________, and __________ are the most effective leadership traits.
Based on the readings, I would identify wisdom, humility, and courage as the most effective leadership traits.
- Wisdom is shown in The Odyssey, where Odysseus’ cleverness and strategic thinking allow him to overcome challenges and guide his men home.
- Humility is exemplified in George Washington's “Farewell Address”, where he advises leaders to remain humble, avoid selfish ambition, and put the public good above personal gain.
- Courage is demonstrated both in The Odyssey and “Ozymandias”, with Odysseus’ bravery and Ozymandias’ eventual downfall due to his overreach. A balance of courage allows leaders to face challenges but also know when to exercise restraint.
These three traits—wisdom, humility, and courage—create a well-rounded leader who acts in the best interest of the people and can navigate both external threats and internal moral dilemmas effectively.
