On Leadership
Sir / Congratulations to the editors and writers for the special section cover story, "In Quest of Leadership" [July 15].
It was rich in philosophy and faultless in style, worthy of the finest essays in the history of journalism.
WILL DURANT
Los Angeles
Sir / There is no doubt that the U.S. could use inspiring leadership, but the country's problems seem to stem from an even more pervasive and debilitating shortcoming. Our people lack a will to excellence. Could the right individual instill that in us?
JOSEPH PUDD
Indianola, Wash.
Sir / The demise of leadership in America dates back nearly 40 years to the time when Franklin Roosevelt stumbled upon the concept that he could be President forever (almost) by having Government confer economic benefits upon the people. The sinister greed that lies beneath the surface in all of us came out in the open and, from that time on, we voted for whatever charlatans promised us the most. Change will come when, and only when, men of character, intelligence, charisma and courage rise up to tell us the truth about ourselves. We may have to wait a long time.
GEORGE F. PLATTS
Ormond Beach, Fla.
Sir / It just might be that Richard Nixon, in a negative way, has been a great teacher. He has demonstrated how dangerous it is to hand over our freedom to a strong presidency. By searching for new leadership, are we admitting our fear of freedom? It would be the finest achievement of civilization if a Martian were to descend and say, "Take me to your leader," and each of us could answer, "You're looking at him!"
GARY TUESCHER
Platteville, Wis.
Sir I Intangible though leadership may be, I strongly believe that our colleges and universities could devise courses and seminars specifically designed to help develop future leaders.
NAT WELCH
Atlanta
Sir / I was surprised that you overlooked these words of Lao-tzu:
A leader is best when he is neither seen nor heard Not so good when he is adored and glorified
Worst when he is hated and despised. "Fail to honor people, they will fail to honor you." But of a good leader, when his work is done, his aim fulfilled, The people will say, "We did this ourselves."
If there is any outstanding shortcoming of our national leaders today, it is lack of respect for the would-be followers. We do not need great leaders. We need leaders who will bring out the greatness in all of us.
EDWARD ROEDER
Washington, D.C.
The List of 200
Sir / Your report on the 200 future American leaders [July 15] refreshed my optimism about our country after the depressing backup of the Watergate cesspool.
JUDITH A. KUNKEL
Paradise Valley, Ariz.
Sir / Eighteen women out of 200 future leaders for the nation! As one of them, I see the focus for my leadership becoming clearer than ever.
Five years ago, no leader of a women's liberation group would have been on your list. Five years from now we plan to be 100 out of 200.
KAREN DECROW
President
National Organization for Women
Syracuse, N.Y.
Sir / Your top 200 leaders were a bit too Eastern-aristocracy for me.
FLORENCE MORGAN
Rockton, Ill.