No doubt classic literature is a wealth of knowledge and inspiration. What often surprises me is how relevant and topical old classics still are, and how much they can still teach…on leadership as well.
After spending my core teenage years in Italy studying Greek and Latin literature six days a week, no wonder that ancient classics have intensely infused my philosophy of life. And I am always pleased when I realize that they can still speak to the world.
On 24 and 25 February, Italy will go to the polls to elect a new government. This vote comes at a very critical time for a country in deep recession and with high unemployment rates. The newly elected leaders will need to show courageous leadership and ambitious plans for guiding the country out of the socioeconomic crisis it currently finds itself in.
A look back at the roots of Italian culture and origins of the Italian political system can bring us to a time where the hunting for votes and ars oratoria of Roman leaders pivoted around noble values, the nurturing of the res publica (the common good) and philosophical thinking. Not that the Romans were exempted from political games, subtle alliances and secret complots, but the history of Latin political thought is full of eminent politicians and philosophers, whose thinking and writings can still provide some deep inspiration to today’s Italian political class.
See full Article: http://forumblog.org/2013/02/can-literary-classics-teach-leadership/
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