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Newsweek
26-05-2025
- Entertainment
- Newsweek
For Many Touched by War, a Harsh Homecoming
For schoolchildren, Homer's Odyssey is a vivid tale of storms, shipwrecks and sea monsters, but for those who have actually seen war it remains the classic tale of a homecoming gone wrong. For 10 long years Odysseus and his crew struggled to get back to the Greek island of Ithaca. It was the "longed for day of return" that kept them rowing in the face of Sirens and Cyclopes. Yet Odysseus's homecoming is no joyful event. On the island where he had once been king, no one recognizes him. People and places have changed. Friends and family have drifted away. Homer's hero is not alone in his experience. Whether they have served in the military, intelligence community or diplomatic service, many of our own veterans of foreign wars have faced similar disappointment. Eric Teo Lopez, 16, of the Fitchburg ROTC program works to replace damaged flags as he stands in a field of some 37,000 of them as part of a Memorial Day Flag Garden by the... Eric Teo Lopez, 16, of the Fitchburg ROTC program works to replace damaged flags as he stands in a field of some 37,000 of them as part of a Memorial Day Flag Garden by the Soldiers and Sailors Monument in Boston Common on May 25, 2024. More JOSEPH PREZIOSO/AFP via Getty Images In a reunion fraught with tension and doubt, even his own wife fails to recognize the wily Odysseus. Penelope addresses him as "stranger" and asks, "Who are your parents?" Only when he describes how he had built their marriage bed does she realize that her husband has returned. This strained process of rebuilding trust and intimacy with one's spouse after years of separation is often as painstaking for today's veterans as it was 3,000 years ago. Odysseus's son Telemachus has grown up without a father. Seeking to escape the pain of his father's absence as well as his mother's anxiety over her husband's uncertain fate, the young man turns to drugs at Helen's hands. How many of our modern veterans or their children have done the same? While Telemachus did not become addicted, many seeking solace from the pain and anger of separation have not been so fortunate. Above all, Odysseus caries the burden of memory. He recalls all too well the blood and chaos of war, the deaths of both comrades and enemies. Watching the men who trusted him to lead them home devoured by monsters or crushed by clashing rocks was not a fairytale, but a nightmare. When a court poet recounts the glories of battle, the old warrior breaks down in tears of remembrance. In Odysseus we see a reflection of every veteran who returns home with post-traumatic stress disorder. Returning to civilian life is inevitably difficult after years of constant fear, sanctioned violence, and anger at the callousness of fate. Some never adjust. As Odysseus tells Penelope, for some war becomes home. His own effort to expunge years of pent-up rage results in the massacre of the suitors who have been pursuing his wife. Modern veterans have no such outlet and are left only with their doubts, anger, and restless nights. Homer's Odyssey portrays the human cost of war. It reminds us of our obligation to care for and honor those who placed their lives in harm's way on our behalf. Each veteran is our own Odysseus. On this Memorial Day, it is fitting to remember those who did not return but save a thought for those who survived and yet never found the longed-for homecoming. David H. Rundell is a former chief of mission at the American Embassy in Saudi Arabia and the author of Vision or Mirage, Saudi Arabia at the Crossroads. Ambassador Michael Gfoeller is a former political advisor to the U.S. Central Command and a member of the Council on Foreign Relations. Both served in war zones and are fellows of the Benjamin Franklin Fellowship. The views expressed in this article are the writers' own.
Forbes
27-03-2025
- Business
- Forbes
3 Modern Leadership Lessons From Ancient Greek Mythology
Antonis Kocheilas is Global Chief Transformation Officer at Ogilvy. Antonis also leads Ogilvy Consulting globally. getty For insights into the complexities of modern corporate leadership, you might not think to look to ancient Greece. Yet its myths offer timeless lessons on human behavior that remain relevant today. These stories illuminate how modern leaders can balance strength and service, offering guidance for navigating challenges in our fast-paced world. When you think of Hercules, you probably think of overwhelming strength and an individual capable of completing any labor. However, his story also reveals the pitfalls of self-reliance. In the works of many ancient poets, you can find implicit references to Hercules not being a team player. In fact, he was a bit of a brute. One of the temples dedicated to Hercules, built in what's now known as Monaco, was called 'Heracles Monoikos,' which means 'the lone dweller' (this is where Monaco gets its name from). In contrast, the ancient Greeks achieved military dominance through collective strength, epitomized by the phalanx formation. Soldiers stood shoulder-to-shoulder using their shields to protect one another. This collaboration created a force far greater than any individual's strength. Hercules, despite his might, could never be part of such a formation because he stood alone. This lesson resonates with modern corporate leadership. Today's leaders must embrace collaboration, fostering strong, cohesive teams akin to the phalanx. In a world where industries and expertise increasingly overlap, success often depends on building environments where individuals work together, protect one another and achieve shared goals. The story of Hercules reminds us that no matter how talented or powerful you may be as a leader, you cannot succeed without a united team. Your ability to build trust and cohesion among your people is just as important as your individual skill set. Odysseus' journey home from the Trojan War (immortalized in The Odyssey) offers another critical leadership lesson. After being blown off course, Odysseus and his crew stumbled upon an island where they discovered a cave filled with food. However, the cave belonged to Polyphemus, a giant Cyclops and son of Poseidon. When Polyphemus returned, he trapped the men inside and devoured some of them. Faced with this dire situation, Odysseus initially planned to kill the Cyclops. Yet while this would have satisfied his ego as a heroic leader, it would have doomed his crew since the boulder blocking the cave's entrance was too large to move. Instead, Odysseus devised a cunning plan. He offered Polyphemus wine and told him his name was 'Nobody.' Once the Cyclops fell asleep, Odysseus blinded him. When Polyphemus cried out in pain, he shouted that 'Nobody' had attacked him, leading other Cyclopes to dismiss his cries. In his rage, Polyphemus removed the boulder, allowing Odysseus and his crew to escape. This story highlights the importance of setting aside ego for the greater good. Odysseus' decision to abandon his desire for glory saved his crew. For modern leaders, ego can be both a motivator and a stumbling block. While confidence is essential, an unchecked ego can cloud judgment and harm those you lead. True strength lies in humility and the ability to prioritize the team's success over personal accolades. By tempering your ego and focusing on long-term outcomes, you'll be better equipped to navigate complex challenges and inspire loyalty within your organization. Ego often drives individuals to leadership positions, but managing it requires a delicate balance between excellence and empathy. This dilemma is illustrated by the rivalry between Ajax and Odysseus over the armor of Achilles, as explored in Paul Woodruff's book The Ajax Dilemma. After Achilles' death during the Trojan War, his divine armor became the ultimate prize, symbolizing the title of the army's most valuable warrior. Both Ajax and Odysseus vied for this honor. Ajax was a fearless soldier whose bravery saved many lives, while Odysseus was an innovative strategist (he was the mastermind behind the Trojan horse strategy that secured the Greeks' victory). Instead of deciding himself, King Agamemnon left the choice to a jury of soldiers, who awarded the armor to Odysseus. This decision devastated Ajax, whose honor and ego were deeply wounded. Overcome with rage and humiliation, he took his own life. The tragedy of Ajax raises questions still relevant today: How should organizations reward top performers? Should recognition go solely to the superstars, or should organizations also honor the contributions of the rank and file? The myth underscores the tension between competition and compassion. Leaders often feel pressure to excel and deliver results, which can make empathy seem like a luxury. However, effective leadership requires balancing these forces. By valuing and supporting all team members—not just the standouts—you can foster loyalty, morale and long-term success. Empathy doesn't detract from excellence; it enhances it. A culture of fairness and acknowledgment can prevent resentment and ensure that everyone feels valued, creating a stronger and more resilient organization. Together, these myths offer enduring lessons for leadership. Hercules teaches the value of collaboration and the dangers of isolation. Odysseus demonstrates the need to set aside ego for the greater good. Ajax and Odysseus reveal the importance of balancing excellence with empathy. True leadership transcends individual prowess. It's about building cohesive teams, making thoughtful decisions and valuing every contributor. By embracing these ancient lessons, you can navigate complex challenges, inspire your team and leave a lasting legacy. Just as these myths continue to resonate, so too will the impact of leaders who embody these virtues. Leadership is not just about achieving success—it's about ensuring that success is shared and sustainable, leaving an imprint that endures far beyond your tenure as a leader. Forbes Agency Council is an invitation-only community for executives in successful public relations, media strategy, creative and advertising agencies. Do I qualify?
