Flammifer
Well-Known Member
In last class, there was discussion of Gandalf's leadership of the Company, and the comment that stories of leadership outside of the military are uncommon.
It was mentioned that some of the company would have seen leadership from the perspective of their military experiences. Of course, so might JRRT, as he was in the military, on the front, during WWI as a junior leader (Lieutenant in the Lancashire Fusiliers). His view of 'leadership' was skeptical, "The most improper job of any man ... is bossing other men. Not one in a million is fit for it, and least of all those who seek the opportunity."
Going back to the prevalence of the theme of leadership among stories not set in the military, I agree that it is not common, but it exists. One setting where it is found is tales of the sea. 'Moby Dick' with the obsessed Captain Ahab, 'Captains Courageous' with its excellent leader in Captain Disko Troop, and 'The Sea Wolf' with amoral and brutal captain Wolf Larsen, are all examples which explore leadership (not that leadership is the main theme in any of them).
Anyone else please chip in with other stories which have non-military 'leadership' as one of the themes?
It was mentioned that some of the company would have seen leadership from the perspective of their military experiences. Of course, so might JRRT, as he was in the military, on the front, during WWI as a junior leader (Lieutenant in the Lancashire Fusiliers). His view of 'leadership' was skeptical, "The most improper job of any man ... is bossing other men. Not one in a million is fit for it, and least of all those who seek the opportunity."
Going back to the prevalence of the theme of leadership among stories not set in the military, I agree that it is not common, but it exists. One setting where it is found is tales of the sea. 'Moby Dick' with the obsessed Captain Ahab, 'Captains Courageous' with its excellent leader in Captain Disko Troop, and 'The Sea Wolf' with amoral and brutal captain Wolf Larsen, are all examples which explore leadership (not that leadership is the main theme in any of them).
Anyone else please chip in with other stories which have non-military 'leadership' as one of the themes?