Blog Post #8: Description of one of Horace's Books

Blog Post #8:

                Book II of Horace’s Odes is organized as a leadership guide. The entire book attempts to impart wisdom over leadership traits through anecdotes about Greek and Roman heroes or myths. Horace explains how leaders must act like “a glorious bulwark … abject defendant and for the Senate consulting you” (Poem I, Pg. 56). A proper leader must behave like an adamant wall, defending individual beliefs and actions while still heeding the value of the Senate. Horace here may be examining the duality of the struggle of power between individual leaders and the Roman Senate. Leaders must be level and grounded, similar to a “bulwark” or fortified wall, while simultaneously being penetrable to the counsel of the Senate. Horace continues his leadership suggestions by suggesting that “you can rule a broader kingdom by subduing greed in your heart than if you were to join Libya to distant Gades” (Poem II, Pg. 57). Horace again attempts to highlight the values he believes great leaders possess by commenting on the need for leaders to be humble and lack greed. Here, Horace explains how fighting the urges of selfishness will allow leaders to rule over nations more effectively than by using force. As the book continues, Horace’s suggestions become increasingly more personal. He explains how one should “not always thrust over the deep sea, or hug the dangerous coast too close, shivering at the prospect of squalls” (Poem X, Pg. 64). Prudence and a cautious mind are here valued by Horace. He examines now these traits to be necessary at the individual level, not simply that of leaders. As a whole, the book progresses from a “how-to” on leadership to more of cautionary tales of individuals who fail to adhere to the virtues of wisdom and prudence. Book II of Horace’s Odes uses the poetic form to educate the audience on the necessary values for success.