Leadership In The Aeneid

Since the beginning of time, humans have always depended on leadership for survival. Citizens follow governments, armies need generals to lead them into battle, and businesses need executive officers. However, just because someone leads others does not mean that he possesses the correct qualities for being a true leader. In order to understand what qualifies as a good leader, one must first define the qualities needed in good leadership. Often times in literature, leaders come across as heroic, but just saving people from an oncoming danger does not truly make on a good leader. On the contrary, the individual and heroic performances of a leader accomplish almost nothing if a leader does not put the needs of his people at the forefront of his endeavors. In light of this, an excellent leader possesses the ability to bring out the best of his people, and the ability to create a positive atmosphere.
One of the key marks of a true leader is his courage, both mentally and physically. Without courage, leaders will not have the ability to make decisions that, in the moment, will protect those around them. One positive example of this attribute comes
If a leader does not remain true to his people he cannot expect his people to follow him through tough times. In the Aeneid, for example, Virgil shows Aeneas intense devotion to his duty. As Aeneas travels to Italy on a mission for the Gods, his family, and his ancestors, his duty towards his people is tested as he must battle his fleshly desires. While his duty to his people eventually wins out, Virgil does not shy away from showing how this struggle wears on Aeneas. As a result of this devotion, Aeneas creates a positive atmosphere of brotherhood inside of his people. Just as Aeneas remained dutiful to his people, those in leadership must remain faithful to their followers so that those underneath them will truly just their