Alec Rich
Writer '18
When one assumes a position of power, it is implied that they will uphold the position with dignity and respect. This leader is expected to rule with an even-hand and inspire others to achieve their goals. It is never expected, even in the most extenuating circumstances for a leader to act above the law. Richard Nixon is a classic example of a leader who overstepped his moral and legal boundaries.
As Locke established during the Enlightenment, an unjust ruler can be overthrown. Time and time again, writers and philosophers have reflected on the principle of rejecting an unruly government led by the corrupt (a prime example of this is Thoreau’s Civil Disobedience). Any powerful leader, whether it be the high school football coach or the President of the United States, has a duty to serve and inspire others while remaining within the bounds of what is morally right.
This is not to say that all leaders are moral, as many are inherently out for personal success or wealth, however there is truly something to be said for the leader who faithfully executes their job in an uncorrupted way. When people think about the qualities of a leader, trust is one of the major aspects that are brought up. How does a leader expect to earn the respect and trust of his fellow patrons if he himself is not moral.
When the President takes the oath of office, he says “I do solemnly swear that I will faithfully execute the Office of President of the United States, and will, to the best of my ability, preserve, protect and defend the Constitution of the United States." This public vow is completed for the same reason that all doctors take the Hippocratic Oath: a guarantee that this leader will be moral in the eyes of the law and towards others. Without morals, societal order would crumble and there would be no foundation for a just world.
Trust forms relationships, which in turn fuels societal order. That trust fosters advancement in all aspects of the life. Trust would not exist however without leaders acting morally.
Leaders are the same as everyone else in society, as they were once in the position of spectating a leader too. Holding a position of power does not imply overstepping the moral boundaries of society, something that many leaders today have lost site of. Thus, in order to advance into a more modern world, our leaders must forget about their personal strife for greatness and think about inspiring a new generation of leaders through their actions.
Writer '18
When one assumes a position of power, it is implied that they will uphold the position with dignity and respect. This leader is expected to rule with an even-hand and inspire others to achieve their goals. It is never expected, even in the most extenuating circumstances for a leader to act above the law. Richard Nixon is a classic example of a leader who overstepped his moral and legal boundaries.
As Locke established during the Enlightenment, an unjust ruler can be overthrown. Time and time again, writers and philosophers have reflected on the principle of rejecting an unruly government led by the corrupt (a prime example of this is Thoreau’s Civil Disobedience). Any powerful leader, whether it be the high school football coach or the President of the United States, has a duty to serve and inspire others while remaining within the bounds of what is morally right.
This is not to say that all leaders are moral, as many are inherently out for personal success or wealth, however there is truly something to be said for the leader who faithfully executes their job in an uncorrupted way. When people think about the qualities of a leader, trust is one of the major aspects that are brought up. How does a leader expect to earn the respect and trust of his fellow patrons if he himself is not moral.
When the President takes the oath of office, he says “I do solemnly swear that I will faithfully execute the Office of President of the United States, and will, to the best of my ability, preserve, protect and defend the Constitution of the United States." This public vow is completed for the same reason that all doctors take the Hippocratic Oath: a guarantee that this leader will be moral in the eyes of the law and towards others. Without morals, societal order would crumble and there would be no foundation for a just world.
Trust forms relationships, which in turn fuels societal order. That trust fosters advancement in all aspects of the life. Trust would not exist however without leaders acting morally.
Leaders are the same as everyone else in society, as they were once in the position of spectating a leader too. Holding a position of power does not imply overstepping the moral boundaries of society, something that many leaders today have lost site of. Thus, in order to advance into a more modern world, our leaders must forget about their personal strife for greatness and think about inspiring a new generation of leaders through their actions.