600 years before the Roman Empire ruled from the moors of Britain to the sands of Egypt, it’s predecessor, the Roman Republic, was almost destroyed. In 458 B.C. The neighboring Aequians attacked Rome—and the army sent to defend the fledgling city-state quickly found itself surrounded.

The city panicked. The Senate decided to appoint a strong leader with absolute power—a dictator—for a 6-month term. They chose Lucius Quinctius Cincinnatus—a retired politician who worked his own farm west of the city.

Cincinnatus accepted the dictatorship and sprang into action. In a single day he raised, outfitted, and organized an army consisting of every able-bodied man in the city. He marched the army out of the city, rescued the besieged Romans, and defeated the Aequians at the Battle of Mons Algidus. Then, after returning to Rome in triumph, he did the most unexpected thing.

He resigned. Cincinnatus simply quit and returned to his farm. He had been dictator just 16 days.

Think of all Cincinnatus could have done with absolute power. Exacting revenge on his opponents in the Senate. Advancing this political agendas and causes. Regaining his social and economic status. But the power had not blinded him to who he was.

It’s not surprising Cincinnatus became a paragon of civic leadership for the Romans. He was a trustworthy leader and his actions clearly demonstrated authenticity, benevolence, competence, and dependability.

For Reflection: How are your actions demonstrating your trustworthiness?

Update: 94% Proposal Complete

With over 60,000 words written, I’m currently focusing on putting my book proposal together.

I put up an additional 2% on Sample Chapters. That brings us to 94% overall on the proposal. I’m taking a break on the book for the next 10 days while I’m working overseas.

9/10 Content (10%)

9/10 Market (10%)

4/5 Author (5%)

24/25 Synopsis (25%)

48/50 Sample Chapters (50%)

94/100 Total (100%)