The ‘Shiji’ or ‘Records of the Grand Historian’ is a historical text from China that portrays various leaders. These leaders are depicted as individuals who hold their own beliefs and have the courage to make decisions even in difficult situations. From a philosophical perspective, this can be viewed from the standpoint of ‘ontology’, which is a theoretical study of existence itself, its nature, and its meaning.
The leaders appearing in the ‘Shiji’ recognize their own existence and shape the world around them through it. This is related to the concept of ‘subjectivity’, which refers to the ability to shape and influence the world through one’s own will and actions. These leaders establish their own existence and influence the world around them through their will and actions.
In addition, these leaders have the courage to make decisions even in difficult situations. This is related to the concept of ‘moral courage’, which refers to the courage to take action that one believes is right, even in difficult or dangerous situations. These leaders act based on their own beliefs and shape the world as a result.
Therefore, the leaders portrayed in the ‘Shiji’ provide philosophical insights when viewed from the perspectives of ontology, subjectivity, and moral courage. They recognize their own existence, shape the world through it, and influence it. They also act based on their own beliefs even in difficult situations and shape the world as a result. These perspectives provide useful insights for modern leadership.
The general perspectives on leadership learned from historical figures, including those in the ‘Shiji’, can be summarized into the following three elements:
Bear all responsibility and results yourself: It is considered better to think through major decisions alone rather than consulting with others. This is because great confidence is born when you make a decision and succeed on your own.
Indecisiveness weakens the organization: Leaders should make decisions based on their own thoughts, not swayed by the opinions and thoughts of others. A leader who cannot make decisions lowers the performance of the organization and weakens it.
Trying to be liked means giving up results: If a leader tries to stick to their strong will, they are often disliked or hated. However, if you want to achieve something, you should not care about such things.
These elements can be learned from the figures of the leaders appearing in the ‘Shiji’, and provide useful insights for modern leadership.
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