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On Grand Strategy summary
A master class in strategic thinking
16 mins
Brief summary
On Grand Strategy by John Lewis Gaddis is a historical and conceptual overview of strategy, which combines various narrative approaches and theories for a broader understanding of leadership and decision-making in different ages.
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On Grand Strategy
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The best leaders balance their grand ambitious vision with caution and an attention to details.
The legendary Oxford professor and president of Wolfson College, Isaiah Berlin, once categorized writers by saying that “the fox knows many things, but the hedgehog knows one big thing.”
Berlin was comparing two types of writer: hedgehogs, who were people with a worldview consisting of one central idea around which everything else is related, and foxes, who paid attention to the small details and saw the world as a complex place with a variety of different, even contradictory, aspects.
Plato and Dostoevsky, for example, with their devotion to a single guiding philosophy in life, are hedgehogs, while Shakespeare and Joyce, who saw life as being far from black and white, were foxes.
Berlin’s analogy was quickly expanded upon by others to include famous leaders of our time. This time, the hedgehog represented a highly-driven and single-minded leader, while the fox represented someone who’s cautious and sees all the obstacles in their way.
With this analogy, it became apparent that the best leaders had a healthy mixture of both fox and hedgehog characteristics. Those leaders at the extreme ends of the spectrum were either too cautious or they failed to see the big picture.
Consider the story of two leaders with two different dispositions: King Xerxes of Persia, who was a hedgehog, and his advisor Artabanus, a fox.
In 480 BC, these two were considering a possible invasion of Greece. Being a fox, Artabanus was cautious and saw many potential pitfalls ahead. So he advised against the invasion and tried to warn Xerxes that the journey was too long and that they’d surely run out of food and be too exhausted to fight the mighty Greek soldiers.
Being a hedgehog, Xerxes was single-minded and bold in his decision-making. In his opinion, nothing risked meant nothing gained, so he ignored Artabanus’s worries and invaded. Artabanus proved to be right, as the Persians were too exhausted by the time they reached the Greek army.
Artabanus may have been correct on this occasion, but a leader should be wary of his approach. There are times when a leader needs to make bold decisions, and when leaders are always like Artabanus they may never make a move.
So, the ideal leader is part hedgehog and part fox – they can assess all the different angles while still being able to take determined action.
Abraham Lincoln was one such leader. He was determined to get the 13th Amendment passed in order to abolish slavery and, like a fox, he pursued a variety of angles to achieve this goal – including bribery, flattery and lies.
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What is On Grand Strategy about?
On Grand Strategy (2018) takes case studies from throughout history, including ancient Rome and the Cold War, to examine the common characteristics of the world’s best leaders. Pulitzer Prize-winning author John Lewis Gaddis also looks at the common mistakes made over the years which have brought even the mightiest of leaders to their knees.
On Grand Strategy Review
On Grand Strategy (2018) is a thought-provoking book that explores the strategies behind successful leadership throughout history. Here's why this book stands out:
- Offering a unique perspective on the art of strategy, it delves into the minds of historical figures and provides valuable insights for modern leaders.
- Weaving together a diverse range of examples from different periods and cultures, the book presents a comprehensive analysis of strategy that keeps readers engrossed.
- Through compelling storytelling and an emphasis on human dynamics, the book masterfully brings historical events to life, offering a fascinating exploration of strategy and leadership.
Best quote from On Grand Strategy
Napoleon entered Russia with 600,000 men and retreated with only 90,000.
—John Lewis Gaddis
Who should read On Grand Strategy?
- History and military buffs
- Anyone interested in the best leadership qualities
- Managers, CEOs and other leaders
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On Grand Strategy FAQs
What is the main message of On Grand Strategy?
The main message of On Grand Strategy is the importance of strategic thinking and the application of historical lessons to navigate complex challenges.
How long does it take to read On Grand Strategy?
The reading time for On Grand Strategy varies depending on the reader's speed, but it typically takes several hours. However, the Blinkist summary can be read in just 15 minutes.
Is On Grand Strategy a good book? Is it worth reading?
On Grand Strategy is an insightful read for anyone interested in learning from historical leaders. It offers valuable lessons in strategizing and decision-making.
Who is the author of On Grand Strategy?
The author of On Grand Strategy is John Lewis Gaddis.
What to read after On Grand Strategy?
If you're wondering what to read next after On Grand Strategy, here are some recommendations we suggest:
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- The Dichotomy of Leadership by Jocko Willink & Leif Babin
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- High Road Leadership by John C. Maxwell
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