Ruscio’s article on humility argues that in order to rule democratically the leader needs to have some level of humility. Although I completely agree with Ruscio’s argument it leaves me to question how we are able to maintain somewhat of a successful country without a humble leader. As Ruscio’s last paragraph states, “We are testing whether our democracy can survive a leader without humility.” This statement implies that our country is 1) still a democracy and 2) our current president does not have the same level of humility as past leaders. If having humility was a necessary component of being a leader, that is respected by their followers, how it is that President Trump is still in power, making laws that endanger lives and allowed to run for re-election.
In addition to this tension that arose, Ruscio made a few other interesting points in the article one which was that leaders were expected to make mistakes in order to show that they were human and on the same level as their followers. Using the example of the Constitution, Ruscio argued that it was not the knowledge of leaders that set them apart but their limitations and what they could not do. By being open and honest about their weaknesses, mistakes, and places where they were unsure Ruscio showed that these leaders were given, more support, more well-liked and praised even after they were leaders anymore. By this, without making mistakes a leader was not a leader but instead seen as some form of a hero. Part of why this humbleness and humility was so effective was its way of showing the leader cared about things other than themselves and their own successfulness. In the example of Washington, Ruscio noted that he “understood the office is bigger than the person. The timeless duties of an office are distinct from the fleeting preferences of those who hold it”. Washington understood that the bigger picture was caring for the community and being an impactful leader. His characteristics of being humble facilitated this and made it easier for his followers to understand that was his mission. He was not engulfed in the idea that he was president or in some way had more power than those beneath him but instead, he was working for the people.
I think it was very interesting how you brought up Americas current political climate compared to the past. often the great presidents we think of were leaders that showed humility. I think it will be interesting to see how in the future what characteristics great presidents are explained with.
I believe the U.S. runs as a “successful” country because there is such a great deal of checks and balances between the branches of government. Humility with the judicial and legislative sects may be enough to make up for the lack of humility within the executive sect.
I feel that Trump’s presidency still needs to be given time to end and by the end, it obviously would be more clear to judge.
It takes humility alone to even acknowledge that the role of the president is bigger than the president.