On Trust and Leadership

The recent release of the Star Wars film, "The Last Jedi," has sparked controversy over its portrayal of leadership, specifically in the character of the female rebel general who ultimately sacrifices herself for the greater good of the Rebellion. While some have criticized the scene as an attack on men, it can also be seen as a commentary on the type of selfless, heroic leadership that is often idealized in fiction. The lead hero, blinded by his own ego, initially assumes the general is incompetent, but it is ultimately revealed that she was acting as a true leader, willing to make the difficult and selfless decision for the good of her cause. It is a reminder that true leadership often requires sacrifice and a willingness to put the needs of others before one's own.

Some believe that the film is promoting a feminist agenda, while others see it as a commentary on the nature of leadership beyond gender.

Regardless of one's perspective on the film's political undertones, it is worth considering the portrayal of the female rebel general, who ultimately sacrifices herself for the greater good of the rebellion. This act of selflessness is a powerful example of true leadership, one that is not bound by the constraints of identity or ideology.

As we look to the future, it is important to consider the role of leadership beyond the limitations of our present-day societal norms. In a world that exists beyond our own, perhaps it is possible for merit to be the true measure of a leader, rather than the arbitrary characteristics that often define us in the present.

In real life leadership is not always quite as inspiring the great case in point is Napoleon's Retreat from Russia after the sack of Moscow. Napoleon had quite foolishly attacked Russia in the expectation of a quick Victory and a return to the status quo in which Russia was Allied to France and to some extent subservient to France. By driving into Russia with his whole Grand Army he thought that he'd be able to achieve a quick Victory similar to what he achieved in Austria and Germany however he did not anticipate the significantly greater morale of the Russian forces, their eagerness to die for their country, or the difficulty he would have in maintaining his supply lines through so many hundreds or thousands of miles of hostile territory . Napoleon's Retreat from Russia was a disaster. After sacking Moscow, he was faced with the unexpected morale and determination of the Russian forces and struggled to maintain his supply lines through hostile territory. The Russians also sacrificed their cities and countryside to deprive Napoleon of resources, and a harsh weather pattern made the situation even worse. Ultimately, Napoleon was left with no fuel, no food, and not enough draft animals to move his supplies, leading to a devastating defeat. Sounds like a great time for a leader.

As the situation in Russia became increasingly dire for Napoleon and his army, the once-great leader began to show his true colors. Rather than facing the hardships and sacrifices of war alongside his soldiers, he made the coward's choice and fled from danger. With a series of carefully staged coaches at his disposal, he made a rapid escape back to the safety and comfort of France, leaving his loyal followers to face the brutal realities of war in a foreign land.

Despite the suffering and loss that his abandonment caused, Napoleon is still remembered as a hero and leader in some circles. But in truth, his cowardice and self-serving actions should be remembered as the defining moment of his career, rather than his fleeting victories on the battlefield.

As history has shown us time and time again, it is the folly of man to believe that leaders will always act selflessly and bravely. Rather, it is wise to trust leaders to act according to their own patterns of behavior and self interest before blindly believing in their words. Trust should not be based on mere promises, but rather on the demonstrated actions of an individual. It is often more reliable to trust that a leader will be true to their own character, rather than upholding any spoken commitments. Which brings me to the quote below, in the great Tarantino film Jackie Brown, the lead gangster is questioned on why he keeps an unreliable girlfriend around his very sensitive criminal enterprise. His response:

The case of Napoleon and his retreat from Russia serves as a cautionary tale. Though he was expected to lead his troops with bravery and selflessness, he ultimately abandoned them to the cold, starvation, and death in a foreign land. In contrast, the lead rebel fighter pilot in Star Wars was justified in his lack of trust in his superior officer, as she failed to communicate a coherent message through her words or actions. Without any other information to go on, the pilot had no choice but to base his trust solely on her rank.

When considering trust in a leader, we must approach it with caution and a recognition of the personal risks involved. It is also important to examine our own biases and prejudices, as they may influence our perceptions of a leader's motives and actions. Ultimately, we must hope that a leader's actions align with the values and principles we believe in and are worthy of following.

And here we are...