Influential Leaders: Julius Caesar Vs. Mahatma Gandhi

Influential Leaders: Julius Caesar vs. Mahatma Gandhi Julius Caesar and Mahatma Gandhi were both leaders from different countries and time periods. Based on the play, "Julius Caesar" by William Shakespeare, and the movie, "Mahatma Gandhi" directed by Richard Attenborough it is apparent that these two men were in some way very several similar and in other ways very different characteristics. Both were prominent people and lived lives of great importance and leadership. They both died in similar ways as well. But during their lives each man worked for completely different purposes.

Julius Caesar and Mahatma Gandhi were both very influential people during their lives. Caesar was one of the top three men who had power in Rome. Many people respected and trusted Caesar as a leader. Caesar was even offered the crown many times but he refused it. Gandhi's influence extended beyond the borders of India and reached out to the whole world. Gandhi's philosophies inspired millions of people. Both men's lives have ended in similar ways; they were assassinated. Julius Caesar was lured to the Roman Senate and murdered by several conspirators including his good friend Brutus. Gandhi was murdered by a Hindu fanatic who disagreed with his tolerance of Muslims. Caesar and Gandhi were both very courageous men. They stuck their necks out when they knew there were dangers out there. And the fact that they both were murdered shows how real those dangers actually were.

Even though both Caesar and Gandhi were influential leaders, they each had very different views, ideas, and ways of going about doing things. Caesar was an important figure in his society and even had his own army to back him up. Caesar's solutions to problems were solved by fighting, such as the time he fought Pompey and became victorious. Gandhi was different. He had no official political title, he did not command any army, and he did not amass any great wealth. Gandhi's philosophy of non-violence incorporated civil resistance. He believed that non-violent civil resistance, not war, was the way to handle things. He also felt the only solution to hatred, ignorance and fear was love, truth and forgiveness. Caesar's and Gandhi's beliefs were quite different. Both men were assassinated in the middle of their lives, but for very different reasons. Caesar was killed because he was too powerful, and Gandhi was killed because he was too good. Caesar was too powerful because he was a very ambitious man who was power mad. He even set himself up as dictator for life. Caesar wanted the power for himself, while Gandhi wanted the power for the people. Caesar was constantly living in fear of his life. He was superstitious and seemed on edge in several instances. Gandhi was thrown in jail and beaten numerous times and yet stayed persistent and determined despite all the unfair treatment he had suffered. Gandhi believed in Civil Rights and Democracy, which was the complete opposite of what Caesar wanted. Caesar always thought of himself as perfect and decisive. He loved to be in control and have all the power to himself. He enjoyed feeling higher and better than everyone else. He proved this by ignoring the warnings of the Soothsayer before arriving at the Senate. Gandhi was never an arrogant man as Caesar was. He always thought of himself as an equal, no better that anyone else. He dedicated his whole life to helping others. Gandhi exhibited his leadership by wearing homespun cloth that provided employment for poor people and revived the village economy. Gandhi was a very honorable man.

Julius Caesar and Mahatma Gandhi were both very influential and important leaders. They both worked hard at the goals they hoped to achieve. Caesar and Gandhi shared a few character traits but also possessing several different traits, viewpoints, and ideas. Both men made impacts on history during their lifetimes and will be remembered for years to come as brave leaders who risked their lives to achieve their goals.