Which one of these leader’s life aims is most powerful? 1) The one who finds pleasure in her own interests, then acknowledges so and pursues it. 2) The one who finds pleasure in her own interests, but chooses to serve the interests of others. 3) The one who finds pleasure in her own interests, and determines that these interests are best served by serving others. These three modes of existence are not new in the thinking of philosophers (some would argue point 2 is not possible). But somehow, I find seeing the three, side-by-side, in stark relief, helps one confront their own approach to life. You can predict a leader’s performance by their focus, but you can determine their values by their “because(s)”.
