White Raven, or The Leader Who No Longer Knew Himself

Abstract

Once upon a time there was a wise king, so beloved by his people, and so respected by all the neighboring kingdoms, that he was generally regarded as the greatest monarch alive. Under his rule, industry and fine arts flourished. The workers prospered and everyone was happy.

“He who knows others is wise; he who knows himself is enlightened.”

—Lao Tzu

“The first thing you have to know is yourself. A man who knows himself can step outside himself and watch his own reactions like an observer.”

—Adam Smith

“You need to know things the others don’t know. It’s what no one knows about you that allows you to know yourself.”

—Don DeLillo

“You are here on earth to unearth who on earth you are.”

—Eric Michael Leventhal