Knowledge, Community, and Humility in Cyrus Mackenzie Miller College

The Education of Cyrus by Xenophon is a book renowned in history as a useful tool in instructing leaders as well as illuminating the life of a noble king. It is also notable for another reason which lies in the title itself. The book focuses on the education of Cyrus, an education which Xenophon shows to continue throughout his life. Cyrus’s education never stops but is a lifelong state of existence. In The Education of Cyrus, Xenophon uses the example of Cyrus to portray what he believes to be the essential qualities of a leader, proposing that good leaders seek the counsel and advice of wise individuals, pursue knowledge doggedly, and display humility.

Xenophon demonstrates that a successful leader must seek the counsel and advice of trusted and wise individuals. This is something Cyrus does time and time again in The Education of Cyrus. Collaboration and communication can only strengthen an individual, and this sense of community runs throughout the narrative of Cyrus. In Book 4, Cyrus speaks to the Median and Hyrcanian cavalry and concludes, “If anyone sees anything better, let him speak”.This statement reflects a common theme throughout Cyrus’ speeches to the troops and generals during battle. He frequently asks for the...