Journal 13

Tuesday November 17, 2015

9:40–11:00 AM (One Hour and Twenty Minutes)

Class

We continued our focus on the leadership of Cyrus in Xenophon’s The Education of Cyrus. We have dealt with some of the motivations for someone to become a leader: desire for prestige , desire for accolades, wealth. We have also attempted to answer some questions about leadership: Why did they choose to lead? How is leadership changing them?

In class, we switched focus to the motives of followers. It is important for us to consider why someone might have been compelled to follow a leader like Cyrus on a dangerous and potentially life long military campaign. Delving deeper into those questions can allow us to see what type of leader Cyrus was. Cyrus’ army was comprised of a combination of many different people so it is impressive that he was able to hold them together since they almost certainly had several different motivations. On the board several motives were listed : friendship, admiration, relief, hope, bravery(from Cyrus), and Cyrus’ good fortune.

The question was then after looking at these traits whether followers chose to follow Cyrus’ leadership because of self-interest or more altruistic reasons.I think when you look at the list , it becomes apparent that his followers were aware that Cyrus was a once in generation talent that had the ability to unite disparate factions under one empire. The opportunity to play a part in that was probably attractive to people. This dynamic is similar to the show Game of Thrones , which was mentioned in class. The show basically revolves around various leaders that people believe have the skills to unite the realm. People make all sort of sacrifices to help leaders that they feel are worthy to lead. I believe this was the case with Cyrus.

Wednesday November 18, 2015

6:20–8:40 PM (Two Hours and Twenty-Four Minutes)

Slowe Dorm Room

Instructed to re read book 8 of the Education of Cyrus.

Thursday November 19, 2015

9:40 am- 11:00

Classroom

We began class by examining examples of Cyrus philothranpia and the possible reasons for it. Cyrus generally appeared to be to care about the well-being of his troops. One example is after a victory when Cyrus deferred some spoils of war so that another soldier who was sad about not having a woman could have her. This scene has a some connections of earlier scenes of Cyrus when he first arrived in the land of his grandfather. It reminded me of when he refused to drink and engage in the gluttony of his people. I think that this restraint that Cyrus shows in these two examples are a good examples of his leadership.

We also discussed how Cyrus built his coalition and whether it would be possible to recreate in today’s climate. It seems hard to envision someone being able to bring so many warring tribes and clans together under one common goal during today’s time. One example might be now when the U.S engages in military activities and looks for help amongst its allies. I am thinking of the first Gulf war when the United States led a broad coalition against Sadam Hussein. I think one of the challenges today is that many people do not see themselves as a global person or a member of global society. Americans in particular don’t always view themselves in an international sense and are more focused on their nationality, race, or religion.

Friday November 20, 2015

5:00–7:20 pm (2 Hours)

Work (Gym Train like a Pro)

Read Alexander the Great. Alexander the Great reminds me of Cyrus , particularly his goal of uniting people across disparate factions under one empire. Cyrus appears to receive a more diverse education than Alexander. Not in the sense that Alexander’s was lacking but just that Cyrus had a large variety of teachers.

Saturday November 21, 2015.

1:00–2:00pm (1 hour)

Slowe Dorm computer lab

One of the main things that is hard to believe is the willingness and encouragement that Philip shows Alexander. From some other readings and popular media (which i freely admit is not academic) I remember the relationship between the two being much more frayed and that Philip frequently felt thonos towards Alexander. Also this would become a source of conflict between Alexander and some of his commanders who were more loyal towards Alexander’s father , Philip. Also Alexander’s birth seems more out of a creation myth than a historical figure but as we have seen frequently in the class this is not out of the ordinary.

Sunday November 22, 2015.

8:00–9:30pm (1 hour and 30)

Slowe Dorm computer lab

I think that Alexander could make a fine university dean. I would imagine that the vast and separate departments of an university are similar to the different factions that Alexander took under his leadership during his reign. He has experiences dealing with the gripes, complaints, and worries of his followers and come to decision in a timely fashion. I think that i could serve in those role as well , even though I don’t currently have interest in it. I think wanting to serve is key however but if i ever really desired it , I believe i would have the skills to bring people together under one vision.