Moses and Churchill
Erik Larson’s newly released The Splendid and the Vile chronicles Winston Churchill’s first year as prime minister. While Churchill found the idea of “coveting power for power’s sake” to be a “base” pursuit, he added “But power in a national crisis, when a man believes he knows what orders should be given, is a blessing.” Churchill wanted that job.
In reading those words, I couldn’t help but reflect on Moses. When God first speaks to Moses instructing him to tell Pharaoh to free the Israelites, Moses initially responds, “Who am I that I should go to Pharaoh and free the Israelites from Egypt?” (Exodus 3: 11) This sign of humility is often cited as an example of a great leader.
Two of history’s greatest leaders had very different responses to the call. Moses was reluctant. Churchill was confident.
History suggests there is no one correct attitude for successful leadership.
— Rabbi David Woznica