A ‘values’ theme, i.e., the beliefs people have, especially about what is right and wrong and what is most important in life that influences their behaviour, feels a fitting topic for the beginning of a new year. And the values displayed by the world’s political leaders and their actions taken as a result that have the potential to affect us all are critical.
Following Russia's invasion of Ukraine, global leadership has come under particular scrutiny, and as the recognised leader of the Western world, a momentous opportunity to show principled global leadership was however cataclysmically avoided by US President, Donald Trump. Rather than emphatically condemning President Putin’s actions and unequivocally asserting the US's ability to retaliate in support of Western democracies, on a visit to the US, President Putin was instead sycophantically treated as an honoured guest rather than the egregious warmonger that he is. A deeply troubling, catastrophic, hubristic and shameful approach, resulting in continued killing and destruction that could have been mitigated by principled, timely use of the threat of the US’s military power. Expediency trumping virtue springs to mind.
Both words and actions can convey honesty or hypocrisy in displaying true character and intention. The first of this month’s quotes emphasises a mismatch between words and action, and the second quote indicates the importance of having integrity based principles and values:
‘What you are thunders so loudly above what you say that I cannot hear you.’
RALPH WALDO EMERSON
‘If you stand for nothing you’ll fall for anything.’
ALEX HAMILTON (& OTHERS)
The above listed on: PHILOSOPHY – EQ4U
GRAMMAR/COMMUNICATION NOTES
Extreme opposite terms with particular pertinence to leadership behaviour:
Sycophancy – obsequious behaviour towards someone important in order to gain advantage.
versus
Opprobrium – severe criticism/ blame.
Pusillanimous – weak and cowardly, frightened of taking risk.
versus
Bravery – courageous behaviour or character.
Warmest & best wishes
