The philosopher, statesman, and moralist Plutarch of Chaeronia (first and early second centuries CE) begins his essay Political Advice, wherein he advises a man about how to embark upon a career in government and how to become an effective leader by saying: 'First of all, let the primary motivation for political activity be a conscious choice based on judgment and reason, which serves as a firm and strong foundation, and let the choice not be rashly inspired by the vain pursuit of glory, a sense of rivalry, or a lack of other meaningful activities.' In How to Lead, classicist Jeffrey Beneker translates three of Plutarch's political essays: To an Uneducated Leader, Political Advice, and The Role of the Elder Statesman. In these essays Plutarch seeks not only to advise these budding, practicing, and even aging politicians about the problems of governing their Greek cities under Roman rule, but also to educate them about general principles of leadership. Plutarch thought quite a lot about political leadership. The management of public affairs at all levels is one of the most important of human endeavors. It requires education, character, and commitment. He encourages those who desire to lead, and he gives advice based mainly on the experiences of great leaders of the past.

Notes on the translation and Greek text -- To an uneducated leader -- How to be a good leader -- Should an Old Man Engage in Politics? -- Important persons and terms.