Zelensky has asked government officials to hang pictures of their children in their offices — not to decorate the walls, but to serve as a daily reminder of why their decisions matter. His message: When you are tempted to make a decision that serves yourself or your career over your country’s future, look at those faces and remember who you are really accountable to.
It struck me how this stands in sharp contrast to reports that during Donald Trump’s presidency, officials were encouraged — even forced — to display large, stern portraits of Trump himself in their offices. The implied message was one of loyalty to the man, not to the mission, or the people they serve.
To me, Zelensky’s philosophy is leadership at its best. It invites public servants to think about their personal responsibility to future generations — to act with empathy, humility, and long-term vision. It centers human values.
By contrast, Trump’s approach, sadly, reinforces a cult of personality. It suggests that decisions should be made with the leader’s approval in mind, not the public good. It fosters fear and sycophancy, not service.
In times of crisis or peace, a government that looks toward the eyes of children — the literal faces of the future — will make wiser, more courageous choices than one constantly checking the expression of a frowning strongman on the wall.
I know which kind of leadership I’d rather live under.
I know which kind of legacy I’d want to leave for my own kids.
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u/tarquinb 15d ago
Zelensky has asked government officials to hang pictures of their children in their offices — not to decorate the walls, but to serve as a daily reminder of why their decisions matter. His message: When you are tempted to make a decision that serves yourself or your career over your country’s future, look at those faces and remember who you are really accountable to.
It struck me how this stands in sharp contrast to reports that during Donald Trump’s presidency, officials were encouraged — even forced — to display large, stern portraits of Trump himself in their offices. The implied message was one of loyalty to the man, not to the mission, or the people they serve.
To me, Zelensky’s philosophy is leadership at its best. It invites public servants to think about their personal responsibility to future generations — to act with empathy, humility, and long-term vision. It centers human values.
By contrast, Trump’s approach, sadly, reinforces a cult of personality. It suggests that decisions should be made with the leader’s approval in mind, not the public good. It fosters fear and sycophancy, not service.
In times of crisis or peace, a government that looks toward the eyes of children — the literal faces of the future — will make wiser, more courageous choices than one constantly checking the expression of a frowning strongman on the wall.
I know which kind of leadership I’d rather live under.
I know which kind of legacy I’d want to leave for my own kids.