Narrator: Imagine a learned philosopher and writer, a man connected to the highest echelcts of Roman society, spending his days overseeing cement work and roofing projects in his small hometown. When questioned why he would bother with such mundane tasks, he simply replies, "I’m not building these things for myself, but for my native city." This man was Plutarch, and his simple act of service reveals the core of a powerful, two-thousand-year-old philosophy of leadership. In his collection of essays, compiled in How to Be a Leader: An Ancient Guide to Wise Leadership, Plutarch argues that true leadership isn't found in the pursuit of power, fame, or wealth, but in a disciplined and unwavering commitment to the common good. He presents a timeless guide that challenges modern notions of success, asserting that the most effective leader is first and foremost a virtuous person.

Narrator: Plutarch’s entire philosophy of leadership rests on a single, powerful principle: the welfare of the state must always come before the personal interests of the leader. This isn't just a catchy slogan; it's a fundamental orientation that should guide every decision. For Plutarch, politics is not a stage for personal ambition or a contest for glory, which he compared to an athletic arena where competitors can become obsessed with their own victory. Instead, it is a sacred duty.

He lived this principle himself. Around the year 100 CE, in his small hometown of Chaeronea, Plutarch personally took on the responsibility of supervising public works projects. He didn't see it as beneath him; he saw it as his duty. This act demonstrated his belief that leadership is built on a foundation of service and integrity. To earn the trust of the people, a leader must be willing to engage in the practical, often unglamorous, work of improving the community.

This idea is further illustrated by the story of two bitter political rivals in ancient Athens, Themistocles and Aristides. In the assembly, they were fierce opponents, clashing on nearly every policy. Yet, when they were sent abroad to represent Athens, they would set aside their personal animosity at the border. They understood that when acting on behalf of their city, their personal rivalry was irrelevant. Their only goal was the advancement of Athenian interests, a perfect embodiment of putting the city before the self.

Narrator: Plutarch draws a sharp distinction between two types of leaders: the educated and the uneducated. This education has little to do with formal schooling and everything to do with moral philosophy and self-governance. An uneducated leader, driven by insecurity and greed, sees power as an end in itself. They rule through fear and are, in turn, consumed by it. Plutarch shares the story of the tyrant Clearchus, who was so terrified of his own subjects that he slept curled up inside a box. Another tyrant, Aristodemus, slept in a room on a second floor, accessible only by a trap door and a removable ladder that his wife would take away each night. Their power brought them not security, but a life of constant, paranoid vigilance.

In stark contrast, an educated leader is governed by what Plutarch, borrowing from Plato, calls Logos, or Reason. This internal, philosophical compass allows them to control their emotions and impulses. They understand that true strength lies not in absolute authority, but in stability and the welfare of the people. The Spartan king Theopompus exemplified this when he willingly surrendered some of his own power to a council of magistrates called the Ephors. When his wife criticized him for leaving his children a weaker monarchy, he replied that he was actually making it stronger because it would be more stable and lasting. An educated leader doesn't fear sharing power; they see it as a tool to serve the state more effectively. This inner virtue is the ultimate source of a leader's authority and the wellspring of benevolent governance.

Narrator: While character is the foundation, Plutarch also provides practical advice for navigating the political world. He stresses that a leader's personal life is never truly private. Their integrity must be beyond reproach, as their character is what ultimately persuades people, not just their words. However, effective communication is also a critical tool. A leader like Nicias of Athens, who had a sound plan to guide the people, ultimately failed because he lacked the persuasive skill to win them over. He was carried away by the public's fervor into a disastrous military expedition in Sicily, a failure of communication that cost him everything.

Furthermore, Plutarch understood the importance of collaboration. He tells the story of Pericles, one of Athens' greatest statesmen, who masterfully delegated authority. He didn't try to do everything himself. He employed a general named Menippus for military matters, used the politician Ephialtes to reform a powerful council, and sent others to manage decrees and colonization. Pericles knew that distributing power not only prevents the accumulation of envy against a single figure but also allows for more to be accomplished. This requires a leader to be secure enough to share credit and empower others, focusing on the most important tasks while trusting their colleagues to contribute their own skills for the city's benefit.

Narrator: In a world that often prizes youth and novelty, Plutarch makes a powerful case for the continued political engagement of the elderly. He argues that retirement from public service is a dereliction of duty. The qualities most essential for leadership—judgment, self-control, practical wisdom, and justice—are not diminished by age but are in fact enhanced and perfected through a lifetime of experience. A city, he contends, would be foolish to discard these invaluable resources.

The role of an experienced leader may change, shifting from the front lines to one of mentorship. Plutarch tells a touching story about the great Athenian orator Demosthenes. Early in his career, Demosthenes delivered a speech and was rejected by the public assembly, leaving him dejected and ready to give up. As he walked away in despair, an old man who had heard the legendary Pericles speak in his youth approached him. The old man told Demosthenes that his style and passion greatly reminded him of Pericles. This simple act of encouragement from an elder, connecting a struggling youth to a heroic past, gave Demosthenes the confidence to persevere. This is the vital role of the experienced statesman: to guide, to steady, to encourage, and to ensure that their wisdom is passed down, strengthening the next generation of leaders.

Narrator: Plutarch's How to Be a Leader delivers a clear and profound message across the centuries: leadership is an art of character. It is not a position to be won or a set of techniques to be mastered, but a continuous practice of subordinating one's own ego to the welfare of the community. The single most important takeaway is that the moral development of the leader is the foundation of a healthy state. A better person makes a better leader, and a better leader cultivates a better society.

The book leaves us with a challenging question in an age often defined by individualism and personal branding: Are we willing to embrace the radical selflessness that Plutarch demands? To truly put the "city"—our company, our community, our family—before ourselves is a difficult path, but as Plutarch's timeless wisdom suggests, it is the only path to creating something truly stable, virtuous, and enduring.