The article begins by asking the reader what qualities make for a good leader. It discusses a set of values but list the value of humility as one of the most important as well as forgotten characteristics needed in order to obtain strong democratic leadership. The qualities usually associated with leadership are those of firmness, decisiveness, assertiveness, strength, power, etc. Unfortunately the value of humility/humbleness does not quite make the list. This is ironic because leaders are far more likely to succeed in a democratic society if they have this attribute. Humility as described in the article is “A space where a leader can have the courage of his or her convictions, while still being open to learn from others and one’s own mistakes. Humility is not arrogance.” Being able to have confidence in their beliefs/decisions but at the same time accepting that those beliefs and decisions may be wrong. If this is the case allowing themselves to understand the mistakes made and learn from them.
The article goes into depth discussing three political figures George Washington, Abraham Lincoln, and JFK as leaders who possess great humility. For Washington through his humility he was able to establish a bond between himself and his soldiers thus allowing him to gain true authority and legitimacy. He also discusses the concept how authority is less in the person and more so in the office (oval office) where members past and present will and have been with that power. For Lincoln, he discusses how those in the past sacrificed so those in the future could benefit and how it is the job of the present population to do the same for future generations. He very much so respected American values and wanted these values to be fulfilled while he was in power. On top of that Lincoln had a strong sense of intellectual humility. After the Civil War when he was trying to mend the US back together in all of his speeches he addressed everyone as we. Showing the elements which make up humility (mercy, judgement, confession, penitence, reconciliation, and retrust) thus allowing for the US to properly mend back together. For Kennedy it was his ability to apologize and understand the mistakes he made with the Bay of Pigs invasion. Through his ability to learn from his mistakes he made all of the proper decisions during the Cuban Missile Crisis.
Something that really stood out to me in the reading that you are getting at here in the post is the leaders’ respect for the institution of the presidency and their respect towards the American people. This respect and reverence made them realize they were a part of something so much bigger than themselves, and they simply could not afford to act in their best interest. This transcendence of humility, of the institution and the nation coming before the interests of one, is a powerful concept that our nation was built upon and is severely missed in our leadership today.