Siddharta and P4

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The topic of P4 is based on our abilities in leadership, which in many ways is a culmination of all the topics we have focused on in this class so far. We have dappled in ehtics, pondered morality, and dealt in philosophical and identity issues. To put together all of these aspects of the class towards a general goal of leadership is in many ways a sort of philosophical and personal journey for all of us in the class. As the course goals state, "The University strives to enroll exceptionally well-prepared, highly motivated students and to produce self-reliant graduates who will become leaders in both their chosen professions and their communities.” (Course Goals)

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This is why reading Siddharta, a book about a man's journey as he searches for inner truth, we as a class were effectively able to draw comparisons to Siddharta's journey for inner truth and peace. The aspect of a journey is a central concept of Siddharta and of our class. However, one of the main conflicts in Siddharta is his unwillingness to accept the role of teachers in his quest for truth and peace. While is more than willing to listen, he is in general unable to understand the role that teachers have in his life and only when he detaches himself from the rigors and pressues of trying to follow other's paths to enlightenment. In his words, "Wisdom that a wise man attempts to pass on to someone always like foolishness" (Hesse 132).

So how does this possibly apply to leadership? How can one be a confident leader if one is not willing to listen to others or be tought important lessons by wise poeple? It seems almost paradoxical, but in many ways some of the world's greatest leaders MUST be willing to not accept the advice of others. Intiution is an important aspect of leadership, but at the same time I think advice from important leaders and thinker in our society should never be totally ignored.. This is a goal of our class as well, as P4 states we must find a role model and ask ourselves "What qualities do your role models exhibit that you would like to develop in yourself?" (P4 Instruction)

In the end, Siddharta's goal of spiritual enlightenement is not completely analogous to our class' personal leaderships goals. Siddharta was searching for something incredibly personal, to the point that teachers and teachings were useless. We are learning to be leaders for the benefit OF society, and as such we must learn from those who came before us to teach us what exactly we can do to benefit society.