My recent trip to Paris was not for the usual sightseeing or tourist attractions. Instead, I delved into the history of Germaine de Staël, a remarkable French writer who stood up to Napoleon in 1803 and paid the price for her courage.
While reflecting on the past, I couldn’t help but draw parallels to recent statements by figures like JD Vance, who tried to diminish women based on their choices. It’s clear that history often repeats itself, even in modern times.
As I explored the legacy of Germaine de Staël and the lessons from Tolstoy’s War and Peace, it became evident that ethical leadership and governance are timeless issues that still plague our society today.
From the rise to power to the eventual downfall, the parallels between past and present leaders are striking. It’s a reminder that true leadership is not about self-adoration or power grabs, but about serving the people and upholding ethical principles.
In the end, it was Vice President Kamala Harris who truly understood the assignment and showed what real leadership looks like. As we navigate the complexities of modern politics, we can only hope to learn from the mistakes of the past and strive for a better future.
Mike Magee MD is a Medical Historian and a regular THCB contributor. He is the author of CODE BLUE: Inside America’s Medical Industrial Complex. (Grove/2020)
