I am constantly struck by the so called “failure of leadership” displayed in all sorts of places from the top of our political, economic and social system, to the bottom. People who reach positions of power, positions that have as an inherent component that power to coerce, and who fail despite all the advantages.

On the other hand, we see people around us who inspire us into a course of action, who make us think, to make a commitment to course of action. Sometimes these people have no trappings of any office, but sometimes they do, but their powers of coercion are rarely used, they are not necessary.

There are leaders, and there are those who lead. Never has the difference between the two been so starkly highlighted as with the gaggle that currently inhabits our political corridors of power.