Neutrality can be an important strategy. Let’s take international affairs. A neutral country that seldom takes a side in a dispute can end up being valuable as a go-between. It provides neutral grounds for peace talks can can broker deals between belligerents. A party trusted by both sides of a dispute can smooth the peace process.
Similarly with leaders. To be effective, a leader needs to be trusted by the tribe. The leader’s job is to resolve disputes (note that kings used to have supreme judicial authority). Joining the fray should generally be avoided. There are obvious exceptions where the leader needs to take a stand, but for the most part he should focus on conflict resolution over partisanship.
Some people also just have a personal style wherein they sit back and watch the argument unfold while carefully weighing it in their minds. Like the Ents, they take a long time to decide anything, but when they do they have a well-reasoned position that they’re not afraid to put forth and defend. They only appear to stay above the fray.
As the article points out, neutrality is often abused by people who don’t have anything to say or are too timid to pass judgment. There are several good reasons for being neutral, but appearing wise isn’t one of them.
Note: Dante had a special place outside of Hell, Purgatory, and Heaven devoted to those who never took a stand.
Neutrality can be an important strategy. Let’s take international affairs. A neutral country that seldom takes a side in a dispute can end up being valuable as a go-between. It provides neutral grounds for peace talks can can broker deals between belligerents. A party trusted by both sides of a dispute can smooth the peace process.
Similarly with leaders. To be effective, a leader needs to be trusted by the tribe. The leader’s job is to resolve disputes (note that kings used to have supreme judicial authority). Joining the fray should generally be avoided. There are obvious exceptions where the leader needs to take a stand, but for the most part he should focus on conflict resolution over partisanship.
Some people also just have a personal style wherein they sit back and watch the argument unfold while carefully weighing it in their minds. Like the Ents, they take a long time to decide anything, but when they do they have a well-reasoned position that they’re not afraid to put forth and defend. They only appear to stay above the fray.
As the article points out, neutrality is often abused by people who don’t have anything to say or are too timid to pass judgment. There are several good reasons for being neutral, but appearing wise isn’t one of them.
Note: Dante had a special place outside of Hell, Purgatory, and Heaven devoted to those who never took a stand.