The Myth of the Moral LeaderThroughout history, societies have yearned for the ideal of a righteous ruler, a philosopher king, or a benevolent emperor. However, these figures are rare, almost mythical. Modern democracies seek a different kind of ideal - a selfless technocrat elected by an enlightened public. Yet, every large-scale leader inevitably becomes entangled in morally compromising decisions. Power requires navigating complex, often unethical decisions that leave no room for moral purity. This episode examines how institutions elevate operators over saints, the inherent corruption that comes with power, and the importance of local moral action over grand leadership. It argues for understanding leadership as balancing damage, rather than seeking an impossible moral paragon.00:00 The Myth of the Righteous Ruler00:25 Modern Democracies and the Secular Messiah00:54 The Nature of Power and Moral Compromise01:21 Historical Figures: Heroes or Villains?01:44 The Inescapable Reality of Collateral Harm02:55 The Selection Process and Moral Mutation03:52 The Cycle of Disillusionment04:11 Local Moral Action vs. Global Leadership05:04 The Brutal Calculus of Leadership06:03 The Future of Moral Leadership

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