What are the qualities that make great leaders in times of crisis?
War is man’s most violent teacher. As Heraclitus vividly put it: “War is the father of all and king of all. Some he has rendered into gods, others into men. He makes some slaves, others free.” Victory in battle can mean the difference between servitude and dominion. Yet war is not won by technical skill alone, or by sheer manpower. The qualities and excellences of individual men can determine the outcome of a war. In this sense it is like politics, where the virtues and vices of statesmen and citizens can make or break a nation. In this seminar we will explore the relationship between politics and war with the help of Xenophon—a mercenary captain and student of Socrates—and George Washington, the father of our nation.
The seminar will take place on the campus of Texas State University on November 4th. Students will receive a copy of Xenophon’s Anabasis and various letters of George Washington to the Continental Army.
