Themistocles, a leader of ancient Athens, once made a bold statement at a banquet. When asked to play the lute, he replied, “I cannot fiddle, but I can make a small town a great city.” While his response may seem arrogant, it holds profound wisdom. It points to two types of abilities: the skill to create great things out of small beginnings and the talent for minor, decorative accomplishments that bring little enduring value. Leaders often face this divide—those who pursue fleeting displays of skill versus those who work toward meaningful, lasting greatness.
The ability to grow and transform something small into something remarkable is rare but invaluable, whether in a kingdom or a business. Yet, even among capable leaders, there is a distinction: some can merely preserve stability, preventing decline, while others possess the vision and capacity to elevate their domain to new heights. A wise leader must avoid focusing solely on individual accomplishments and instead consider the greater strategy that drives progress and builds enduring success.
True greatness lies not in size alone but in potential. While the extent of a territory or revenue can be measured, the real strength and capacity of a state—or an organization—are more subtle and complex. As the kingdom of heaven is likened to a mustard seed—small but capable of vast growth—so too can something humble serve as the foundation for extraordinary greatness. It is not the scale of what exists but its potential for growth that matters most.
Foundations, whether strong defenses for a city or reserves for an enterprise, are worthless without the courage and capability to defend and expand them. Sheer numbers or resources alone do not guarantee strength. As Virgil said, “A wolf is not troubled by the number of sheep.” Alexander the Great demonstrated this truth when his disciplined and courageous army defeated the far larger Persian forces at Arbela. In the same way, a kingdom—or any great endeavor—relies on the quality and resolve of its people rather than mere quantity.
Money, often called the sinews of war, is vital, but it is nothing without human strength to wield it effectively. Solon, the Athenian lawgiver, once told the wealthy King Croesus, “If someone with better iron [weapons] comes, they will take all your gold.” Wealth must be paired with strength, discipline, and preparation; otherwise, it invites defeat. This principle applies universally: resources, no matter how abundant, are meaningless without capable people to use them wisely.
Leaders should also avoid excessive reliance on mercenaries or outside help. Empires that depended on hired forces were eventually weakened by their lack of self-reliance, just as overdependence on external solutions in any endeavor undermines long-term stability. True power comes from within, cultivated and sustained by the people who share in the work and its rewards.
Excessive burdens on the people—whether through taxation in a kingdom or undue pressure in any form of labor—erode morale and courage. A kingdom that overtaxes its citizens may find itself unable to defend its borders, just as an organization that overworks its members risks collapse. Balance is critical; resources must be gathered without breaking the foundation upon which they depend.
A wise ruler—or leader—understands the importance of maintaining a strong and stable middle class, which serves as the backbone of both prosperity and defense. In England, for example, the middle-class farmers were empowered under King Henry VII, ensuring both economic stability and a capable military force. Such policies prevented the overreliance on a downtrodden, weak peasantry seen in other nations. The same principle applies to any endeavor: autonomy, fair treatment, and shared opportunity strengthen those who contribute to its success.
The inclusion of others also plays a key role in enduring greatness. The Romans excelled in granting citizenship and assimilating conquered peoples, thereby expanding their strength and influence. By contrast, nations like Sparta, which resisted integration, eventually overreached themselves and declined. Diversity and inclusion strengthen the whole, whether in governance or any other pursuit.
Lastly, enduring success requires strategic ambition. Just as war can sharpen and strengthen a nation, so too can challenges and calculated risks keep any venture vital and forward-looking. Complacency leads to stagnation, while carefully chosen opportunities for growth keep systems dynamic and resilient.
Bacon Blueprint 