Seven Men and the Secret of Their Greatness

Eric Metaxas uses simple, effective writing to tell how some of history’s greatest men achieved a loyal and respected following. Starting with George Washington, he writes about how hard work and self-sacrifice are the foundation of great leadership. He puts together an account of why Washington was chosen to lead the Continental Army:

1. He undertook a dangerous scouting expedition, through a forest in winter, during the French and Indian War. It earned him great respect from his men, and his account of the expedition was widely respected in England.

2. The Continental Congress had no way to conscript me (or even feed them much.) They needed a general who could get along with the men and convince them to stay.

3. Washington was already rich, and would have no need to take payoffs.

4. Washington’s upper-class manners and dress were the right image for the new nation. The Colonies didn’t want to be seen as muddy-booted rabble.

The list of great men goes on to include Eric Liddel, who refused to run in the Olympics on Sunday, and was willing to forfeit a gold medal. Today he’s well known in Scotland as a missionary. As for who won medals at the 1924 Olympics, who even remembers? But all sport fans remember Jackie Robinson, the first black major league baseball player. You’ll remember him as a great ballplayer, or as a guy who wouldn’t hit back every time her was spiked and beaned. Jackie Robinson’s self-sacrifice is part of a running theme in this book. Washington surprised everyone when he announced “the war’s over, I’m going home.” King George was certain he’d set himself up as the new dictator, but when he heard that Washington had stripped himself of power, he gave up too.

Look at these men from an economic perspective; George Washington, Eric Liddel, Jackie Robinson, these men all had jobs. Now, take a look at less-successful leaders-Stalin, Lenin, Hitler, Mao, Fidel, the Kim family, Jean Claude Duvalier, Assad-these men never had jobs. India had Gandhi, who was a lawyer, and Italy had Garibaldi, who was a sailor, teacher, and candle maker. But the USSR? Their leaders never worked. Stalin, Lenin, and Mao spoke highly of the worker, but they never did a day’s work in their lives.

Metaxas’ book reminds me of what it takes to lead. You have to be the one doing all the work, and like Eric Liddel, you must make a sacrifice. When people see you going without, they will be more willing to do the same.