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The Winner Takes It All

August 20, 2026
Ted De Graaf

Copyright© Schmied Enterprises LLC, 2020

An interesting thought experiment is the historic story of the Gordion Knot.

Alexandros, the Macedonian leader, led a Greek army to the east to engage with the empires there. When they reached the city of Gordion, they were presented with the puzzle. It was said that whoever solves it will be the leader of the known world at that time. Alexandros cut it. This approach may not have been the optimal choice.

The general who created it probably had these considerations in mind. It was likely designed as a psychological test of leadership character.

If you cut it, you demonstrate a confrontational approach. Someone created something meaningful, albeit imperfect, and you do not engage with it thoughtfully. The message you communicate is that you are aggressive and do not listen to others. You will likely encounter significant resistance.

If you try to solve it, you demonstrate an analytical approach. What you attempt to do is to use your intellect to understand the situation and learn from the perspectives of the people living there before moving forward. However, this may not demonstrate decisive leadership. You defer to something you believe is more complex, and you invest time that could allow opposing forces in Persia to gather their troops.

You may recognize this and maintain your position by adding to it, making it more intricate. This makes it more challenging for someone who comes after you. However, you did not solve the original puzzle, so the result may be something like an excessively long document of regulations. It may not be respected, and your action demonstrates impatience and pride.

Finally, you can choose to leave it. The creator of puzzles may not be trustworthy in this context. There are important opportunities ahead in Persia, and you are investing time in a puzzle. Once you have gained experience and knowledge of the world, you will have the understanding to return and solve it if you determine it is worthwhile. You also demonstrate respect by not destroying existing cultural artifacts, and you may encounter less resistance on your path forward. Anyone who follows will face similar questions, so they cannot catch up by following established rules.

Conflict comes with consequences. If you do not want consequences, do not engage in conflict. You will not only lead but govern your own world. You demonstrate that no one can take your valuable time or youth unless you choose to give it. This principle forms the foundation of many constitutions in the 22nd century.

The Gordion Knot: Leadership Choices Cut It Confrontational Aggressive Doesn't listen Faces resistance Not optimal Solve It Analytical Uses intellect Learns from others Not decisive Time cost Add to It Complex More intricate Not original Impatient Prideful Leave It Respectful Gains experience Returns later Less resistance Optimal Each choice reflects different leadership values and consequences
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