Inspiring Leadership

In Patrick O’Brian’s classic historical fiction novels featuring Captain Jack Aubrey and Dr. Stephen Maturin, the characters face many dangerous moments. In these moments, Captain Aubrey, beloved by his crew, continually shows decisive action. He does not hesitate in what course to take, even if in the moment he is unsure of the outcome. He perpetually annoys his friend and shipmate Maturin by repeatedly telling him, “There’s not a moment to lose.” His is the leadership of inspiration and emulation (see Robert O’Harrow Jr., “Here’s to Life after Aubrey and Maturin,” Washington Post, February 2, 2003, https://www.washingtonpost.com/archive/opinions/2003/02/02/heres-to-life-after-aubrey-and-maturin/94cb90e6-8d2a-4bff-b656-37c53880c8fb/).