#226 Heroes From Alexander the Great and Julius Caesar to Churchill and de Gaulle

In this episode, the host discusses the complex legacy of historical figures who have been both venerated as heroes and criticized as villains, using the example of Andrew Carnegie, John D. Rockefeller, and Henry Ford, who were seen as both industrial pioneers and "robber barons." The host delves into Paul Johnson's book "Heroes," highlighting the author's criteria for recognizing modern heroes: independence of mind, resolute action, skepticism of media, and personal courage. The episode covers the lives and traits of George Washington, Abraham Lincoln, Julius Caesar, Alexander the Great, Winston Churchill, and Charles de Gaulle, emphasizing their shared characteristics such as self-education, mastery of words, and the ability to propagate novel ideas. The host praises Johnson's balanced portrayal of these figures, acknowledging their contributions while also recognizing their flaws and the ethical complexities of their actions.

• America celebrated entrepreneurs like Andrew Carnegie, John D. Rockefeller, and Henry Ford.
• Carnegie's steel and Rockefeller's kerosene were seen as beneficial, while some viewed them as "robber barons."
• Historical figures can be seen as heroes or villains, depending on perspective and time.
• President Theodore Roosevelt referred to some wealthy individuals as "malefactors of great wealth."

"In due course, the public applauded the outstanding steelmaker Andrew Carnegie and the oilman, John D. Rockefeller. This new kind of hero was controversial, and it is a fact that throughout history, one person's hero has been another's villain, not only in his own day, but later."

This quote emphasizes the duality of perception towards America's industrial leaders, highlighting how they were both celebrated and criticized.

• Four principal marks of heroism: independence of mind, resolute action, media skepticism, and personal courage.
• Independence of mind involves skepticism of consensus and thinking for oneself.
• Heroic action is consistent and resolute, ignoring media if convinced of one's rightness.
• Courage is the noblest quality and key to heroism.

"First, by absolute independence of mind, which springs from the ability to think everything through for yourself and to treat whatever is the current consensus on any issue with skepticism."

This quote defines the first trait of heroism as the ability to think independently and question the status quo.

• Paul Johnson authored "Heroes," profiling historical figures with common traits.
• The book includes various historical figures and identifies shared characteristics of heroism.
• Johnson's concise writing style is appreciated for its clarity and focus on essential information.

"And it was written by Paul Johnson."

The quote introduces Paul Johnson as the author of the book being discussed, which examines the traits of historical heroes.

• Alexander the Great and Julius Caesar are profiled in a chapter called "Earth Shakers."
• Both were conquerors with extreme traits, both positive and negative.
• Their ambition, intelligence, and self-assurance were paralleled by cruelty and selfishness.

"With Alexander and Caesar, we come to the two principal actors of antiquity who operated in theater of the entire known world and became prototypes of the heroic character for the next thousand years."

This quote describes Alexander the Great and Julius Caesar as significant historical figures whose actions and characteristics set the standard for heroism for centuries.

• Alexander was the son of King Philip II of Macedonia and educated by Aristotle.
• Philip II's achievements and military innovations set the stage for Alexander's conquests.
• Alexander's education under Aristotle was comprehensive, preparing him for leadership.

"Alexander didn't go to school. He had a tutor. Philip had hired Aristotle to tutor his son one on one."

The quote highlights the unique educational background of Alexander the Great, being personally tutored by the philosopher Aristotle, which influenced his future as a leader.

• Alexander's traits included bravery, intelligence, and self-assurance.
• His belief in his divine ancestry inspired emulation and courage.
• Ten practical reasons for Alexander's success are listed, including military leadership, adaptability, and swift decision-making.

"Alexander began to assume divine honors and to believe that he was the son of a God, possibly Zeus himself, rather than Philip."

This quote illustrates Alexander's immense self-confidence and belief in his divine right to conquer, which fueled his ambition and success.

• Alexander's legacy includes founding cities, advancing war technology, and interests in various fields.
• His insatiable territorial greed and passion for war set a negative example for future leaders.

"Alexander became the prototype hero because of the extent of his achievement and his personal courage."

The quote summarizes Alexander's status as a prototype hero, acknowledging his achievements and personal bravery despite his negative traits.

• The book provides a detailed overview of influential historical figures, dedicating 10-15 pages to each.
• It offers insights into their lives and the lessons that can be learned from their experiences.
• The discussion begins with the example of a man who aimed for world rule at any cost.

"And ambitious men took heart from his record. In truth, he was never content with his conquests, and he wanted to rule everybody."

The quote reflects the ambition and discontent of a historical figure who aspired to dominate globally, setting a precedent for others.

• Caesar played a pivotal role in transforming the Roman Republic into an empire.
• His name became synonymous with world authority, and subsequent emperors were referred to as Caesars.

"Caesar effectively transformed the Roman Republic into an empire. Thereafter, the emperors were all Caesars, the name of the man having become synonymous with world authority."

This quote highlights Caesar's significant impact on the Roman political structure and his lasting legacy.

• Emphasizes the enduring power of words and the importance of controlling one's narrative.
• Caesar's personal traits included energy, speed, fitness, and attention to detail.

"Words are the only things that last forever."

The quote underscores the long-lasting influence of language and its role in shaping narratives across time.

• Caesar wrote extensively to ensure his version of events would prevail in history.
• His writing style was marked by simplicity and clarity, and he avoided unfamiliar words.

"He aimed to conquer posterity as well as the world he lived in."

Caesar's ambition was not limited to his lifetime; he sought to influence how he would be remembered in history through his writings.

• Caesar overcame early challenges, including his father's death and family poverty.
• His ambition and obsession with cleanliness, fitness, and speed were notable.

"Caesar, hugely ambitious, had to do it all himself."

This quote reflects Caesar's determination and self-reliance from a young age in the face of adversity.

• Caesar meticulously trained his men and senior commanders, enabling him to delegate authority effectively.
• He led from the front and was patient in training his troops.

"He also possessed the patience to train his men with infinite care."

Caesar's patience in training his troops contrasts with his fast-paced approach to other aspects of his life, illustrating a balanced leadership style.

• Caesar viewed all problems as solvable and was both a hero and a monster, depending on perspective.
• His conquest of Gaul is seen as both a historical achievement and an ethical crime.

"All problems are solvable."

This quote captures Caesar's problem-solving mindset, which contributed to his success despite the ethical implications of his actions.

• Caesar's abilities included mental power, energy, steadfastness, and quickness of mind.
• He served as a model for kingship and also inspired dictators and tyrants.

"Few men have had such a combination of boldness, shrewdness and wisdom."

The quote summarizes Caesar's exceptional range of qualities that made him a historical figure of great influence.

• Washington's physical stature and calm authority contributed to his leadership presence.
• His schedule and pursuit of knowledge were indicative of his active and intellectual nature.

"Washington was six foot three. That made him enormous in his day."

Washington's height is mentioned as a factor that helped him stand out and assert his leadership.

• Washington gained specific knowledge through surveying, which proved valuable during the American Revolution.
• His knowledge of the land gave him an advantage over other revolutionaries.

"He knew more of America than all but a handful of his fellow revolutionaries."

The quote emphasizes the strategic advantage Washington had due to his unique knowledge of the American landscape.

• Cultivating specific knowledge is crucial in an age of infinite leverage.
• The discussion references Naval Ravikant's ideas on the importance of specific knowledge.

"Cultivating specific knowledge is so important in the age of infinite leverage."

This statement highlights the competitive edge that specific knowledge can provide in today's world.

• Bill Gurley's advice on becoming the most knowledgeable in one's field is paralleled with historical lessons.
• The talk emphasizes obsessive learning, understanding one's craft, and striving to know more than anyone else.

"Strive to know more than anyone else about your particular craft."

The quote from Bill Gurley reinforces the concept of mastery and continuous learning as a path to success.

• The speaker discusses the relationship between excitement, motivation, and discipline.
• Excitement about ideas can fuel motivation, which in turn reinforces discipline.
• The importance of daily practice and long-term commitment is emphasized.
• The speaker notes that many people quit, but persistence provides a massive advantage.

"here's like this giant flywheel happening. It makes me as the excitement, like when you discover these ideas, you get more excited, and then this excitement leads to even more motivation. And then you realize, hey, motivation is good, but you also need discipline. And so just use motivation as a way to reinforce the discipline you have and just do it every day for a long period of time. And as we know, most people quit."

This quote highlights the cyclical nature of excitement and discipline and their roles in maintaining motivation over time. It suggests that discipline should be reinforced by motivation and that persistence is key, as many people tend to give up too soon.

• Washington's rise to becoming one of the largest landowners in Virginia and one of the richest men in America.
• Washington's skills as a strategist in his role as a general are likened to those of great entrepreneurs.
• Despite being outnumbered and underequipped, Washington's clear and consistent strategy and iron will led to success.
• Washington's belief in his mission and the legitimacy of the colonial government drove his persistence.
• The speaker draws parallels between Washington's war strategy and entrepreneurial advantage gained by not quitting.

"Washington, in time, became one of the largest landowners in Virginia... He was one of half a dozen richest men in America... As a general, he was primarily a strategist rather than a battle commander... Yet his strategy was clear, intelligent, absolutely consistent, and maintained with an iron will from start to finish."

The quote summarizes Washington's success in both his personal wealth and military strategy, emphasizing his consistent and intelligent approach to challenges. The comparison to entrepreneurial traits suggests that similar qualities can lead to success in business.

• The speaker reflects on the importance of belief in one's mission, using Washington's conviction as an example.
• The idea that the reason for starting a company (or a cause) does not have to be complex, but must be believed in sincerely.
• The story of Phil Knight and Nike is used to illustrate the power of a simple, deeply held belief.
• The speaker connects this belief to their own mission of encouraging people to learn from history.

"He believed he represented the legitimate government of the 13 colonies whose traditional powers Britain was trying to usurp... It did not matter how many skirmishes or even battles he lost... This is a war of attrition... The fact that you just have a massive advantage if you don't quit."

The quote underscores Washington's steadfast belief in his cause and his strategy of attrition, which reflects the speaker's point about the advantage of not giving up. It also ties to the broader theme of the power of belief in leadership.

• Washington's decision to return to his farm after the war is seen as an act of heroism.
• The King of England recognized Washington's choice as a mark of greatness.
• Washington's unanimous election as president and his successful leadership in stabilizing the new nation are highlighted.
• The speaker describes Washington's dual achievements in winning the war and establishing a stable nation as unparalleled.

"Washington won the war, and that is his primary claim to be to heroic status. But it is his conduct afterward which is sublime... if he does that, he will be the greatest man on earth... This double achievement is without parallel in history."

This quote details Washington's military success and his exemplary post-war conduct, which the speaker believes sets him apart in history. It presents Washington's choices as a model of selfless leadership.

• Lincoln is celebrated for his goodness, which the speaker argues is the key to his enduring popularity.
• Despite his humble beginnings and self-education, Lincoln's morality and goodness are seen as self-cultivated.
• Lincoln's mastery of language and his use of it to communicate political truth and justice are emphasized.
• The speaker notes Lincoln's ability to remain busy and active despite personal melancholy.

"Abraham Lincoln comes high on the list of enduring popular heroes... He was a good man on a giant scale, a man who raised goodness into a political principle... He was self educated and a master of words."

This quote captures the essence of Lincoln's character and his reputation as a hero, focusing on his goodness and his skillful use of language to advance political causes. It also highlights Lincoln's self-made path to greatness.

• Lincoln's ability to choose words for their accuracy and truthfulness is lauded.
• The speaker discusses the importance of words in political action and company building.
• The repetition of ideas, referred to as "Jeffisms" in Amazon, is highlighted as a persuasive tool.
• The speaker notes that crafting the narrative of a mission is best done by the founder of a company.

"If ever a statesman was a master of words, he was... He chose words not for their grace or glory, but for their fundamental accuracy and truthfulness... words and the ability to weave them into webs which cling to the memory are extremely important in forwarding political action."

The quote emphasizes Lincoln's strategic use of language and its importance in shaping political action and public memory. It suggests that the power of words is not only relevant in politics but also in entrepreneurship.

• The speaker admires Lincoln for doing the right thing even when it was not required or expected.
• An anecdote about Lincoln consulting with his bedridden secretary of state illustrates his commitment to inclusivity and consideration.
• Lincoln's lack of vanity and self-consciousness is seen as a testament to his strength of character.

"LINCOLN was a strong man, and like most men, quietly confident of their strength, he was without vanity or self consciousness... He did the right thing, however easily it might have been avoided."

The quote reflects on Lincoln's personal integrity and his dedication to doing what is right, regardless of personal convenience. It portrays him as a leader who valued the input of others and acted selflessly.

• The speaker recommends the book "Heroes" for its compact writing and interesting stories.
• The book is described as a useful tool for learning about historical figures and their traits.
• The speaker suggests that the book can be read non-sequentially and used as a source of inspiration.

"So this title is called a generous hero and a heroic monster... It's interesting. So this title is called a generous hero and a heroic monster. So we already know that Paul loved Churchill, right?"

This quote introduces the book "Heroes" and sets up the discussion of two contrasting types of leadership exemplified by Churchill and de Gaulle. The speaker's personal connection with the content and the author's perspective add depth to the recommendation.

• Winston Churchill's success attributed to the principle of energy conservation.
• Churchill's routine included staying in bed in the mornings to work effectively.
• Despite being underestimated by his family, Churchill's natural intelligence and self-education were key to his achievements.
• Churchill's activities included wall-building, painting, speech-making, and excelling in broadcasting.

"Churchill, what do you attribute your success in life to? He replied instantly, conservation of energy. Never stand up when you can sit down, and never sit down when you can lie down."

This quote encapsulates Churchill's philosophy on conserving energy, which he believed was integral to his success. It highlights his strategic approach to life and work.

"Churchill had intelligence. This aspect of his armory for life has generally been underestimated, not least by his parents."

This quote emphasizes Churchill's intelligence and the underestimation of his intellectual capabilities by those closest to him, including his family.

• Dyson's success came after numerous prototypes and years of persistence.
• Advocates for unconventional thinking and determination over conventional brilliance.
• Encourages being "obtuse" as a strategy to gain unique insights and solve problems.

"You are just as likely to solve a problem by being unconventional and determined as by being brilliant."

Dyson's quote suggests that non-traditional thinking and determination can be as effective as traditional intelligence in problem-solving, a concept he applied to his own work.

"Be deliberately obtuse because there are 5 billion people out there thinking in train tracks and thinking the way they've been taught to think."

Dyson's advice to be deliberately obtuse is a call to reject conventional thinking patterns in favor of original and independent thought, which he believes leads to better insights and innovations.

• Churchill's desire for power was intense and he sought to have it in full measure.
• Believed in the importance of having sufficient power to ensure success.
• Regarded history as a great teacher and did not hold grudges post-conflict.
• Advocated for companies and individuals to tell their own stories.

"Churchill loved power and sought it greedily. Always he was most anxious to possess it in all its plentitude."

This quote reflects Churchill's deep desire for power and his belief that having complete control was necessary for effective leadership and success.

"History, to Churchill, was the great teacher, and he remained under her iron rod all of his life."

Churchill viewed history as an essential guide and mentor throughout his life, demonstrating his respect for historical knowledge and its influence on his actions and decisions.

• Churchill's most successful book combined personal memoirs with documentary history.
• Charles de Gaulle's achievements included rescuing France from shame and civil war.
• De Gaulle's philosophy emphasized the importance of singularity and solitude.
• Both Churchill and de Gaulle reflected on history and had a profound impact on it.

"Churchill was by far the most thorough and successful in ensuring that his tale was told."

Churchill's effectiveness in documenting and sharing his version of history is highlighted, showcasing his commitment to shaping his legacy.

"Solitude was my temptation. It became my friend. What else could satisfy anyone who has been face to face with history?"

De Gaulle's quote reveals his preference for solitude and the importance he placed on independent thought, which he found crucial for someone who has engaged deeply with historical events.

• De Gaulle's leadership was characterized by his singularity of purpose and his promotion of novel military ideas.
• His personality traits included elitism, ruthlessness, and a lack of gratitude.
• Despite flaws, de Gaulle's insights and contributions to France's military strategy were valuable.

"To get close to somebody was seen as a possible source of weakness."

This quote describes de Gaulle's view on personal relationships and his belief that closeness could compromise strength, reflecting his leadership style and personal philosophy.

"Being as weak as I am, intransigence is my only weapon."

De Gaulle's admission of his reliance on intransigence demonstrates his strategic use of stubbornness as a tool to maintain his leadership and influence, especially during times of adversity.