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The eternal question still stands: what is good leadership? Here are answers from some of the world's best minds:

Leadership is an incredibly abstract concept. Today, Tatler Philippines dives deep into what it means, according to some of our most memorable leaders and thinkers. 

Read more: International Women's Month 2021: Why We Need Women In Leadership Now More Than Ever

1. Benigno Aquino III

In effect, heroes are really just ordinary people caught up in extraordinary times and respond properly.

- Benigno Aquino III -

The recent passing of former president, Benigno Aquino III, has brought the nation into mourning. The son of two of the Philippines' biggest political personalities, Benigno Aquino III, had been open about his why he intended to run for president in 2009. Accordingly, it was due to the clamour he heard of people encouraging him to run. His response was to follow. The former president has also been known to call the Filipino people "his bosses", saying: "kayo ang boss ko, kaya hindi maaaring hindi ako makinig sa mga utos ninyo". (You are my boss, which is why I must listen to your request). 

See also: The Story Of The Aquino And Cojuangco Clans And The Struggles Of The Philippine Nation

2. Andre Malraux

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André Malraux (1901-1976), French writer and politician, at his place, France, 1976. (Photo by Jean-Regis Rouston/Roger Viollet via Getty Images)
Above André Malraux (1901-1976), French writer and politician, at his place, France, 1976. (Photo by Jean-Regis Rouston/Roger Viollet via Getty Images)

To command is to serve, nothing more and nothing less.

- Andre Malraux -

Andre Malraux was a French novelist and supporter of Charles de Gaulle. After de Gaulle's election as president, Malraux served as Minister of Cultural Affairs for about a decade. He was also an anti-colonialist and avid traveller, having been to Asia multiple times. He has also been credited for founding the newspaper L'Indochine Enchaînée or "Indochina in Chains". 

3. Stephen King

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NEW YORK, NY - SEPTEMBER 26:  (EXCLUSIVE COVERAGE) Author Stephen King visits the SiriusXM Studios on September 26, 2017 in New York City.  (Photo by Astrid Stawiarz/Getty Images)
Above NEW YORK, NY - SEPTEMBER 26: (EXCLUSIVE COVERAGE) Author Stephen King visits the SiriusXM Studios on September 26, 2017 in New York City. (Photo by Astrid Stawiarz/Getty Images)

A cowardly leader is the most dangerous of men.

- Stephen King -

One of our favourite horror writers has some thoughts on leadership—and we have to say, we agree. The original quote appeared in his 2009 novel, Under the Dome, wherein a small Maine town is mysteriously sealed off from the rest of the world by an invisible force field.

Read more: Literature Masterclass: 3 Tips On Writing From Celebrated Authors

4. Ronald Reagan

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President Ronald Reagan, campaigning for a second term of office, smiles during a rally speech at the California State Capitol the day before the 1984 presidential election. (Photo by © Wally McNamee/CORBIS/Corbis via Getty Images)
Above President Ronald Reagan, campaigning for a second term of office, smiles during a rally speech at the California State Capitol the day before the 1984 presidential election. (Photo by © Wally McNamee/CORBIS/Corbis via Getty Images)

The greatest leader is not necessarily the one who does the greatest things. He is the one that gets the people to do the greatest things.

- Ronald Reagan -

The 40th United States president, Ronald Reagan, was best known for his goal to achieve “peace through strength” abroad. Though he increased defence spending by 35 per cent, Reagan's administration also sought to improve relations with the Soviet Union. By the end of his term, the United States had reportedly been enjoying its "longest recorded period of peacetime prosperity without recession". 

5. Mahatma Gandhi

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MKG-145917 : Mahatma Gandhi ; receiving a donation in the train compartment Acharya Kripalani and Radhakrishna Bajaj are looking through the window ; 1940 NO MR
Above MKG-145917 : Mahatma Gandhi ; receiving a donation in the train compartment Acharya Kripalani and Radhakrishna Bajaj are looking through the window ; 1940 NO MR

I suppose leadership at one time meant muscles; but today it means getting along with people.

- Mahatma Gandhi -

Internationally esteemed for promoting nonviolent protest, Mahatma Gandhi is among the most influential activists of his (and our) time. He sought independence of India from British forces and became an icon in the eyes of millions in the nation. In fact, the term given to him—"Mahatma"—means "Great Soul". 

 

6. Warren Bennis

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FI.Dogbert.1.PD.0207: photo of author Warren Bennis on the beach in Santa Monica where he lives. For interview with him and "Dogbert". LATphoto: Patrick Downs Mandatory Credit: Patrick Downs/The LA Times
Above FI.Dogbert.1.PD.0207: photo of author Warren Bennis on the beach in Santa Monica where he lives. For interview with him and "Dogbert". LATphoto: Patrick Downs Mandatory Credit: Patrick Downs/The LA Times

Becoming a leader is synonymous with becoming yourself. It is precisely that simple and it is also that difficult.

- Warren Bennis -

For thirty-five years, Warren Bennis served as a business professor at the University of Southern California. Aside from that, he was also an author and a "leadership guru", as hailed by the Los Angeles Times. His book, On Becoming A Leader is often required reading for business students at universities across the United States. It has also been endorsed by the likes of John F. Kennedy, Gerald Ford, and Ronald Reagan.

Read more: Philippine Independence Day: 7 Unsung Heroes Who Fought For Freedom

7. John Buchan

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John Buchan, 1st Baron Tweedsmuir PC CH GCMG GCVO (1875 - 1940) was a British novelist and Unionist politician who, between 1935 and 1940, served as the Governor General of Canada. During the First World War, he wrote propaganda for the British war effort. Later, he was elected the Member of Parliament for the Combined Scottish Universities. He is best known for The Thirty-Nine Steps and other adventure fiction. Taken from a large-format pre-war cigarette card (Photo by Michael Nicholson/Corbis via Getty Im
Above John Buchan, 1st Baron Tweedsmuir PC CH GCMG GCVO (1875 - 1940) was a British novelist and Unionist politician who, between 1935 and 1940, served as the Governor General of Canada. During the First World War, he wrote propaganda for the British war effort. Later, he was elected the Member of Parliament for the Combined Scottish Universities. He is best known for The Thirty-Nine Steps and other adventure fiction. Taken from a large-format pre-war cigarette card (Photo by Michael Nicholson/Corbis via Getty Im

The task of leadership is not to put greatness into humanity, but to elicit it, for the greatness is already there.

- John Buchan -

John Buchan was a British statesman with a prolific career in politics and diplomacy. Yet, on the side he pursued a more creative career as a writer, publishing 50 books, most of which were fast-paced adventure stories beloved by his audience.