Leaders of Men

New Zealand Herald, Volume LXXVI, Issue 23263, 4 February 1939, Page 9 (Supplement)

Leaders of Men

SOMEBODY said a good thing the other daiy—We need men who have learned to use their heads, to think clearly, and to avoid muddle-headedness. Some of those who are growing up will be leaders one day, and it is good to think of what a leader is, writes Mr, Arthur Mee in the Children's Newspaper. The modern world grows in complexity, and more is increasingly demanded of its leaders. Never before, indeed, was inspired leadership so necessary. A thousand factors present themselves simultaneously for judgment: a human mind, to cope with them, needs a sense of proportion. The commonest fault of men is to see only one thing at a time, and to allow that thing to eclipse all others in their outlook. For long years British progress was dominated nnd determined by single ideas, converted by politicians into party catchwords. It was for this reason that so many great issues were neglected and social diseases allowed to spread. Of the modern statesman we have to demand the power to measure, with a clear mind, the relative importance of

Some Thoughts For the of To-

the nation's needs, so that things that matter most are dealt with first. The march of invention makes it needful for all national leaders to keep themselves well informed. Thev are called upon to understand many things. The study of public affairs becomes a science which has to be associated with knowledge of history, with generosity of thought, with understanding or human nature. A glorious thing it is to be a leader of men, a splendid thing to aspire to lead. While we may not all attain positions of command, we should all fit ourselves to be good citizens. In the process of development, of mastering knowledge, clear thinking, a sense of proportion and power of judgment, a man finds himself. Earning the right to respect himself, he may gain the respect of others and the power to lead. Short of that, his aspirations bring their own fine reward. &