Free Essays, Term Papers, Research Papers at Anti Essays

The main characteristic which all leaders should posses is integrity. However, intelligence sometimes poses a direct threat to one’s ability to maintain integrity. Intelligence is of value, but more important is demonstrated common sense. Some of the most intelligent leaders are faced with failures such as Ulysses Everett McGill. He is imprisoned for practicing law without a license, but escapes with the other two characters in hopes of a better life. On their journey, Everett steals a watch from Pete’s cousin; intellectually and instinctively, Everett knows that Pete’s cousin is going to betray them. Pete becomes angry with Everett for “stealing from my kin.” Sensing Pete’s hostility, Everett says, “Pete, it’s a fool that looks for logic in the chamber of the human heart.” He knows he has to plan for the worse from Pete’s cousin. A smart man such as Everett knows that taking a chance on a person to look out for escaped convicts is too risky. Another example of his intelligence is when Everett and his partners escapes from prison and catches a ride on the railroad with the Blind Seer. In there conversation, the Blind Seer says that he has “no name.” Everett responds by saying, “Well, that right there may be the reason you’ve had difficulty findin’ gainful employment.” Using his common sense, he is able to explain to the Blind Seer that if he has a name, others will be able to identify and communicate with him “in the mart of competitive commerce” for a job.