sixwordstories | (no subject)

That depends on your understanding of good.

Good leaders do what needs to be done.

Yes, in their way they do.

The whole concept of 'good' is a subjective one. However, I'd believe it would be best used for the better of those under one's care.

And a leader who mistreats their subjects it not going to be a leader for long.

It would be foolish for them not to.

A true leader fosters good will with their followers, else they risk the possibility of rebellion.

A good leader does what needs to be done to benefit themselves and their followers.

Good will does not always prevent rebellions. One can never show too much weakness, a little bit of fear does not hurt.

A statement open to interpretation.

I imagine there are many skills and traits involved in being a successful leader, some of which cannot be taught. It's a fascinating study.

Oh, please. What's a leader to their subjects but a tyrant they're too cowardly to refuse? [She grins daringly, her tongue between her teeth, raising an eyebrow in challenge. Free spirit that she is, she can't abide any servitude even in its mildest form, regardless of whatever good intentions he's cloaked himself with.] A good tyrant is still a tyrant no matter how you dress it up, don't you agree?

That can be somewhat true but good leaders think of their people first. A century of life helped me figure that out.

I imagine ruling is much like politics and business. There is little room for kindness. Only a sort of tough love that ensures their survival, or prosperity, whether they want it or not.

I would say, it is much more related to politics. There are still many parties that one has to please to keep their position or head. So yes, there is the business aspect of it as well.

[ John nods his head in agreement. ]

And, to an outsider it seems very much like an act of tyranny or oppression. The whole concept of 'freedom' is one left to the individual.

A century of life? A good leader also does not expose such secrets to a total stranger.

Edited 2014-04-10 01:11 (UTC)

[Jack shrugs.]

Or so I lost count a long time ago. I'm not afraid of anyone. so why shouldn't you know.

The study of how to manage countless lives without going a step too far, yes. There are boundaries that one must not cross when it comes to those who live under them, but they must know where they stand in any civilization.

Politics is all well and good; it's the politicians I find much more intriguing. The people who manage those countless lives and how they shape the world around them, often for generations to come.

A tyrant is a word used by those who don't or refuse to understand the complexities of one's situation.

[ John looks at her, and he seems to be willing to take the challenge in stride. His demeanor is calm and he doesn't see her as much of a threat to anything.

Of course, he is a ruler without a country to rule, but this is for another place and time. ] And, there is good reason, sometimes the status quo is what they desire. The very fear of change is far more gripping than that of one who maybe seen as too harsh.

And, to think there have been those in power who have been considered brutes. Yet, people do not stop to think about those who live under these people.

Customs. The Earth nor the rest of the universe follow a single way of life.

Then you are very foolish; everyone has someone or something that they fear. There is always going to be someone who is your better in every way possible.

"Power tends to corrupt and absolute power corrupts absolutely." Lord John Dalberg-Acton. Though I tend not to agree with him that "great men are almost always bad men." It is far too easy to judge a person by the recount of history than it is to have walked in their shoes. After all, those in power are still human, at least on Earth.

I would prefer an efficient, effective leader over a ‘good’ one any day.

[Jack smiles.]

No I'm old....so very old and when you are dead and dust I will see the end of the universe. I know I've been there. So no there is nothing I fear....not even you.

It is unfortunate that not everyone agrees with your sentiment.

I can handle myself if that leader decides I'm expendable. Most people can't. They want easy security. Not long term success.