499. GNOTHI SAUTON (KNOW THYSELF): THE KEY TO GENUINE LEADERSHIP

Michael Soupios

It seems there has always been a surfeit of individuals ready to claim the mantle of

leadership, despite the reality that genuine leaders are as rare as hens’ teeth. Ultimately the reason for this paucity may lie in the fact that real leaders possess introspective assets that set them apart, i.e., they “know themselves” in an intensively candid and meaningful way. This self-awareness allows them to consistently formulate well-reasoned responses to the many challenges confronting a leader. Specifically, it provides leaders with a steady source of principled insights allowing them to effectively address the exigencies of office. All of this distinguishes the authentic leader from the swarm of pretenders who neither comprehend themselves, nor the nature of their responsibilities as leaders.

These and other considerations were systematically considered in ancient times by a

variety of noted thinkers including the likes of Thales, Heraclitus, Sophocles, Plato, and Aristotle, among others. This course will present a menu of their assessments. Moreover, it will argue that their conclusions are not merely relevant for today, they are in truth an irrefutable instruction for genuine leadership.

In addition, the course will briefly consider the career of Solon, the Athenian politician

who was arguably antiquity’s model statesman, as well as Max Weber’s seminal portrait of the so-called “charismatic” leader.

10:00 - 12 noon                                                                                                      2 Sessions

Tuesday, October 7 and Thursday, October 9                                                        Fee:  $50

(Please Note:  This course consists of two sessions, but both will be taught in the same week instead of one week apart; please be sure to mark your calendar and come in-person on Tuesday, Oct. 7^th and then again two days later on October 9^th.)

ABOUT THE LECTURER

Michael Soupios is Professor of Political Science and author of articles and books on a variety of subjects, including The Ten Golden Rules of Leadership and The Greeks Who Made Us Who We Are. He holds several degrees, including a BA from St. Lawrence University; an MS, MA, and MA from LIU Post; an MA and D Min from Seminary of the Immaculate Conception; an EdD from Columbia University; A PhD from SUNY Buffalo: and a PhD from Fordham University. His areas of expertise are Political Philosophy, Ancient Greek Politics, History and Culture, plus American Government as well as Organizational Theory and Behavior.