Stoicism and Spirituality: Lessons in Leadership from U.S. Presidents

Stoicism, the ancient philosophy of self-discipline and self-restraint, has long been an influential force in shaping the mindset of leaders. On this Presidents Day, I was thinking about the many US presidents who have drawn inspiration from the stoic principles of focusing on what they can control, practicing resilience in the face of adversity, and maintaining a sense of duty and responsibility to their country. Their spirituality also played an important role in their leadership and decision-making.

George Washington, Abraham Lincoln, and Theodore Roosevelt are three U.S. Presidents who have been praised for their stoicism. Each of these leaders faced tremendous challenges during their time in office, and their ability to remain steadfast and calm in the face of adversity is a testament to the power of stoicism.

Washington, for example, faced enormous challenges as the leader of a fledgling nation. He was constantly plagued by self-doubt and the fear of failure, but he never wavered in his commitment to his country. "Happiness and moral duty are inseparably connected," he once said, "and you can't have one without the other." He also had a strong faith in God, which he believed was necessary for moral leadership. During the Revolutionary War, Washington would often lead his troops in prayer, and he believed that his success was due to God's providence. As he once said, "It is impossible to rightly govern a nation without God and the Bible."

Lincoln, similarly, faced the daunting task of leading the country through the Civil War. Despite the incredible pressure he faced, Lincoln remained focused on his duty and maintained a sense of calm and poise. "When you reach the end of your rope, tie a knot in it and hang on," he famously said. He also had a deep spirituality, which he expressed in many of his speeches and writings. Lincoln believed in the power of prayer, and he often turned to God for guidance and strength. One specific example of Lincoln's spirituality was his Second Inaugural Address, in which he expressed his belief that the Civil War was God's punishment for the sin of slavery and called on the nation to seek God's forgiveness and healing. "I have been driven many times upon my knees by the overwhelming conviction that I had nowhere else to go."

Theodore Roosevelt, known for his robust personality and leadership style, also embraced stoicism and his spirituality during his presidency. Roosevelt believed that leaders should be guided by their sense of duty and responsibility, rather than their own egos. He also believed that his leadership was guided by a divine purpose, and he often spoke about the importance of following a higher calling. One specific example of Roosevelt's spirituality was his dedication to conservation and the natural world. He believed that protecting the environment was a moral responsibility, and he worked tirelessly to establish national parks and protect wildlife. "We have fallen heirs to the most glorious heritage a people ever received, and each one must do his part if we wish to show that the nation is worthy of its good fortune." Roosevelt, for his part, was a man of action who believed in the power of individual effort. He was famous for his "strenuous life" and his commitment to hard work and self-discipline. "Do what you can, with what you have, where you are," he said.

These quotes from these presidents demonstrate their reliance on stoicism and their commitment to leading with a calm, focused, and disciplined approach. They also show the influence of their spirituality and connection to a greater purpose. As Marcus Aurelius said, “You have power over your mind - not outside events. Realize this, and you will find strength."

For me, I have found stoicism to be an important philosophy in my own life and leadership journey. As I mentioned in?From Overwhelmed to Empowered: How the Principles of Stoicism and Spirituality Have Helped Me Navigate Some of Life’s Challenges, it has helped me to remain centered and focused in the face of challenges, and to keep my eye on the greater good. My recent trip to the Colorado Rocky Mountains and the magical Sedona, AZ have also given me a sense of awe and gratitude towards nature and the world and reinforced my commitment to bringing peace and love to everyone.?

As Will Rogers once said, "Everything is changing. People are taking their comedians seriously and the politicians as a joke." Do we have modern leaders capable of such sacrifice and selfless devotion? I think they exist but are few and far between, at least partially because a lack of spirituality and adherence to basic stoic principles.??But by focusing on what is within our control, remaining disciplined and calm, and staying connected to a greater purpose, we can all be better leaders and make a positive impact on the world. “The True Self is not our creation, but God's. It is the self we are in our depths. It is our capacity for divinity and transcendence.”?Sue Monk Kidd

Do you have any examples of leaders who have embodied the principles of stoicism? How have you incorporated stoic philosophy into your own life and leadership journey?? Let's keep the conversation going.

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