Differences in Outcome: An Explanation
In a thought-provoking YouTube video that has amassed over 2 million views, Ryan Holiday discusses the downfall of narcissistic leaders, a topic that remains one of the top 10 most viewed videos on the platform. Holiday, a modern-day proponent of Stoic philosophy, argues that leaders like Nero ultimately fail due to their inflated egos and self-centeredness.
Stoicism, a philosophy that emphasises virtues such as discipline, humility, and rationality, stands in stark contrast to narcissism. Holiday points out that narcissistic leaders ignore wise counsel and are driven by ego, leading to their downfall over time.
The story of Nero, the infamous Roman Emperor known for his destructive ruling influenced by excessive pride and tyranny, exemplifies this downfall. Stoic teachings encourage leaders to prioritise the common good, cultivate wisdom, and practice humility, which are antidotes to the narcissism that leads to ruin.
One historical figure who embodied this complex relationship is Seneca, a tutor to Nero. Despite witnessing Nero eliminating his rivals and relatives, Seneca remained with him even after Nero killed his own mother. Seneca's continued association with Nero, despite the risks involved, may have been a result of his belief that he could find a way out of the situation.
However, Seneca's faith was not rewarded. Nero's goons demanded Seneca's suicide years later, an order he accepted with the appearance of acceptance, but likely did not fully expect. Seneca's acceptance of his own eventual fate at the hands of Nero, despite his likely surprise at being targeted for elimination, is a poignant reminder of the unpredictability of narcissistic leaders.
Epictetus, another Stoic philosopher, warns us not to expect the wicked to treat us differently than they treat others. Marcus Aurelius, a Roman Emperor who was also a Stoic, advises that when people reveal their true nature, we should believe them.
In the modern context, Holiday predicts that the narcissistic leaders in power today are likely to suffer a similar fate. Subscribing to Holiday's YouTube channel will ensure not missing future exciting videos that delve deeper into this intriguing topic.
[1] Holiday, R. (2021). The Stoic Challenge: A Philosophy of Life and Action. Portfolio. [2] Nero. (n.d.). Encyclopædia Britannica. https://www.britannica.com/biography/Nero [3] Holiday, R. (2021, May 10). Why Narcissistic Leaders Fail [Video]. YouTube. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FvQJlXt887E [4] Stoicism. (n.d.). Encyclopædia Britannica. https://www.britannica.com/topic/Stoicism
- The principles of Stoicism, such as discipline, humility, and rationality, can offer a valuable alternative to the harmful tendencies of narcissistic leaders in contemporary business and leadership, thereby fostering a healthier mental-wellbeing and overall health-and-wellness within organizations.
- By learning from figures like Seneca and Epictetus, whose wisdom spans centuries, one can equip oneself with the knowledge necessary to navigate the complexities of dealing with narcissistic leaders in finance and other aspects of modern life.
- Furthermore, Holiday's exploration of the downfall of narcissistic leaders touches upon crucial discussions related to science and philosophy, broadening our understanding of how such self-centered mindsets affect various aspects of society.
