Since the dawn of life, organizations—and eventually civilizations—have instinctively arranged themselves into hierarchies. Within these structures, one role stands out as both universally acknowledged and arguably the most crucial: the leader. Good Leaders bear the weight of responsibility, whether the group triumphs or falters.
Yet, intriguingly, leaders vary greatly in their nature. Some are combative and assertive, while others are introspective and strategic. In this essay, I aim to explore the intricate connection between leaders and philosophers, delving into how philosophical principles often underpin the qualities of effective leadership.
The Requirement of Absolutions in Good Leaders
One thing is abundantly clear: leaders are those who execute, not merely those who theorize. Even in highly abstract fields like theoretical physics or neuroscience, the most accomplished academics are those who not only envision groundbreaking ideas but also possess the ability to execute those visions through rigorous research and practical application.
When we shift our focus to leadership in entrepreneurship, governance, or warfare, the demand for decisive execution becomes even more apparent. Leaders in these domains are invariably required to take the helm, making critical decisions regardless of the circumstances. Whether it’s steering a company through turbulent markets, guiding a nation through crises, or strategizing on the battlefield, a leader’s role is defined by action, not abstraction.
Because of this very fact, leaders need unwavering confidence in their ideas, as any uncertainty can undermine their ability to inspire and convince others. If a leader doesn’t believe in their vision, how can they expect others to follow? Without a cohesive and motivated team, even the most promising organization or company is destined to falter and eventually fail. Leadership, therefore, is as much about belief and conviction as it is about execution.
Incremental Improvement by Good Leaders
Throughout history, leaders across the world have devoted significant thought to the challenge of creating value and realizing their vision of success. Until the rise of startup culture, the predominant approach was one of gradual, incremental improvement. Products and services evolved slowly, shaped by societal expectations and the need to provide consistent value. This deliberate pace reflected an inherent caution—a recognition of the risks involved in deviating too far from what society deemed acceptable.
In my understanding, a true leader is someone who internalizes the risk of being wrong. They are acutely aware of the dangers of misjudgment and approach their role with intellectual humility. A leader must consciously strive not to be wrong, not through blind self-assurance, but through careful consideration and deliberate action. This awareness keeps them grounded, preventing the slide into narcissism that unchecked belief in one’s infallibility can bring.
In this sense, a leader is a dogmatist—but not a totalitarian. A dogmatist in leadership is someone who holds firm to core principles while remaining open to adaptation and learning. Unlike a totalitarian, who imposes their will without question, a dogmatist leader channels conviction into decisions that align with both their vision and the greater good. They balance the courage to take risks with the humility to acknowledge their fallibility, ensuring their leadership is both decisive and reflective.
Elon Musk
Elon Musk is renowned for his strong opinions on truth and existence—traits that some might argue lack the finesse and subtlety of a philosopher like Nietzsche. Yet, it’s important to recognize that Musk is not a philosopher; he is a leader. His primary role is not to dwell on abstract ideas but to execute on a vision that extends far into the future—a vision that challenges the limits of what humanity considers possible.
Musk is often criticized, even vilified, by detractors who label him as difficult, stubborn, or, in harsher terms, an “asshole.” Stories of his demanding nature and uncompromising standards have become almost as legendary as his accomplishments. Yet, despite the polarizing nature of his leadership, Musk’s companies continue to thrive, inching closer to their ambitious goals with every passing day.
What sets Musk apart as a leader is his unique balance of dominance and adaptability. He is unwavering in defending his beliefs and is known to argue challenge, and even fire employees who don’t align with his vision. At times, he exaggerates to rally people around his ideas and drive progress. However, Musk is not blinded by his conviction. He is acutely aware that his answers are not always right and that his products are unlikely to be perfect on the first attempt. This awareness fuels his relentless pursuit of refinement, as he works tirelessly to improve and iterate on his creations.
At the same time, Musk hails his work and belief system as absolute truths—an almost dogmatic faith in the potential of his vision. This paradoxical combination of humility in execution and confidence in his vision makes him a fascinating figure. Musk embodies the mindset of a leader who, while unyielding in purpose, remains flexible enough to adapt, learn, and refine. In doing so, he bridges the gap between the philosopher’s search for truth and the leader’s imperative to act.
Steve Jobs
In the referenced video, you witness an extraordinary definition of a brand articulated with remarkable simplicity. What stands out is the elegance of this explanation—it’s not a universally accepted definition by any means, but it carries profound value. While greater definitions may exist, the beauty of this one lies in its clarity and focus, reflecting the visionary mind behind it.
Steve Jobs is also known for his uncompromising opinions on the vision and future of Apple, a trait that famously led to his exile from the very company he co-founded. His relentless pursuit of perfection and his steadfast belief in his ideas often placed him at odds with others, but these qualities were also the driving force behind Apple’s transformation into a global icon.
Trump vs. Joe Biden: A Reflection on Good Leader Leadership Styles
No matter how much you hate or love him, the majority of American citizens have elected him to be the next leader. Trump has very strong opinions, which seem very totalitarian and fascist. While his views attract the Republican ideology, they seem to repel woke people, demonstrating incredible dogmatist behaviour. Of course, he would make a terrible philosopher, but he will make a great leader.
On the other hand, Joe Biden has shown incredible flexibility and compassion toward society, which is something we want in diplomats, not national leaders. His lack of rigidity in traditional views and a somewhat apparent dislike for American culture shows an incredible lack of leadership qualities. By all means, apply this to Kamala Harris as well, because you don’t need the mind of Einstein to realize that chopping off the breasts of 13-year-olds, mutilating true femininity from America, and chopping off the balls of 8-year-old boys, damaging the masculinity of America, will not result in anything good.
Conclusion
In my understanding, to be a good leader is to walk on the edge of a knife, balancing dogmatist ideology and flexibility with precision and courage. This delicate act requires not only a strong spine but also a profound depth of intellect, often found in those who align themselves with the centre. It is a gruelling journey, demanding immense cognitive effort to craft opinions on every moral dilemma and policy of governance while ensuring the blade does not cut too deeply into conviction or compromise.
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