Conversations in Management
Nicholas
Boileau is best remembered today for his classic work, L’Art
poétique in which he outlined the structure and principles
of French poetry. It was hardly an original work. In writing it,
he drew not only on his own ideas, but on the work of other
literary theorists of the day. What made the book immediately
successful, as well as enduring, was the clarity of his
expression, the directness of his prose and his values-centered
approach to verse. L’Art poétique is infused with values
of truth, reason and sincerity. Those,
coupled with the belief that once discovered, truth must be
expressed simultaneously with simplicity and grandeur were the
basis of both his literary theory and life philosophy. It
would be a mistake, however, to write Boileau off as just
another stuffy academician. Though an amiable man of warmth and
benevolence, he had little tolerance for mediocrity, vanity or
hypocrisy—and he didn’t hesitate to publicly express that
intolerance. He began and ended his long career as an ardent
satirist. Like many practitioners of this craft, Boileau managed
to offend vast swaths of society as well as the government
officials responsible for letting him publish his opinions. This
unhappy state of affairs led to him being charged with
“cynicism, debauchery, plagiarism and blasphemy,” early in his
career. Eventually, it was his interest in literary theory that
won him favor with Louis XIV and with it the approval to publish
his books. With the King’s support, Boileau enjoyed decades of
productive scholarship, but a renewed interest in satire late in
life proved his undoing. When he attacked the Jesuits in his
twelfth and final satire, he made powerful enemies in the church
and at court. As a result, the Jesuits were successful in
suppressing the satire and revoking his publication rights. The
frustration associated with these events actually contributed to
Boileau’s death.
Boileau’s
satire made it clear that that he believed there are some things
in life that you just don’t compromise—honor is one of
them. Honor is a wonderfully broad word in our language. It has
so much gravitas that the mere mention of it makes folks take
notice. Some are willing to die to preserve it. Others work for
years to earn it. Still more hope that it’s reflected in their
behavior. And while it may have a variety of meanings, almost
everyone can agree, that it’s a bedrock aspect of character.
At the
heart of your personal honor—or character—is integrity.
It’s something an honorable person will never sacrifice. It will
never be acceptable to cut corners, beat the system or go back
on your word. Honorable people don’t nurse grudges or play
get-back. They never knowingly commit a wrong or let a mistake
go uncorrected. They take responsibility for their
actions. Moreover, they never stand silent when they know their
voice should be heard. Honorable people are also modest. They
don’t trumpet their virtues or seek acclaim because of them.
Instead, they go about their daily business with a quiet
discipline and a determination to make things better.
Boileau’s
image is compelling. It’s a reminder that honor is our greatest
strength. No one can take it from us. It’s a rock that can
weather the stormiest seas and a secure haven on the darkest
night. Don’t ever give it up.
—Ebert
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