Thanks to Freud, the name of Oedipus, the legendary king of Thebes, often evokes disdain for his unwitting love for his mother. Yet, within Greek tragedy, Oedipus' story unfolds, weaving a complex interplay of fate, personal agency, and an unyielding quest for truth. As we navigate the dynamics of modern leadership, the themes encapsulated in Oedipus' saga resonate with striking relevance, offering uncomfortable insights into the nature of truth and the consequences of deceit once its wheels are in motion.
This blog delves into the wisdom embedded in the Oedipus myth and its implications for contemporary leadership practices. As leaders, we must confront the enduring challenges of seeking and facing truth. Oedipus' myth is cautionary but serves as a source of inspiration, prompting leaders to reflect deeply on the implications of their decisions, the foundational values of their leadership, and the organisational culture they are nurturing.
A Greek Tragedy – "Oedipus Rex"
Sophocles' "Oedipus Rex" is the quintessential Greek tragedy - exploring fate, identity, and the pursuit of truth. The narrative unfolds with King Laius and Queen Jocasta of Thebes, who, devoid of heirs, seek comfort from the Oracle of Delphi, only to receive a harrowing prophecy: their son will be his father's murderer and his mother's husband.
To escape this prophecy, the couple orders their newborn, Oedipus, to be abandoned on Mount Cithaeron to face certain death. However, the shepherd from Thebes, who was ordered to carry out the task, does not leave the infant to die. Instead, he gives Oedipus to a passing shepherd from the neighbouring city-state of Corinth. The Corinthian king and queen raise Oedipus as their son.
Unaware of his true lineage, Oedipus grows into a man of unrivalled intelligence and valour. One drunken night, one of Oedipus' friends cruelly tells him that he is not the biological son of King Polybus and Queen Merope. Determined to uncover the truth, Oedipus consults the Oracle of Delphi. The Oracle shares the same dreadful prophecy given to King Laius.
Determined to avoid this fate, Oedipus decides never to return to Corinth but instead to travel to Thebes. Walking directly into the fate he seeks to prevent, Oedipus encounters King Laius at a crossroads. There is a heated altercation over who has the right of way, and in the ensuing fight, Oedipus kills his biological father – fulfilling the first part of the prophecy.
Continuing his journey, Oedipus reaches Thebes, where a Sphinx, perched high up on a mountain, is terrorising the city. The monster threatens death to all those seeking to enter Thebes who fail to decipher her riddle. Oedipus solves the puzzle, and the Sphinx throws herself down to her death; thus, Oedipus saves the city. Perhaps the Sphinx's test, which focuses on wisdom, is best interpreted as Thebes' need for a worthy leader. In any event, the citizens of Thebes offer Oedipus the throne and the hand of the recently widowed queen, Jocasta. Unaware of their true relationship, Oedipus accepts, thus marrying his mother and completing the prophecy's final prediction.
Oedipus reigns as a wise and just king; the citizens of Thebes love him, and the city prospers. The gods, however, curse the city, striking Thebes with the plague. Oedipus vows to find the plague's cause. He learns that it is divine punishment for the murder of King Laius and that the plague will only end when the murderer is found and expelled from the city. Completely unaware of his guilt, Oedipus promises justice.
At the outset of the investigation, Oedipus summons the blind prophet Tiresias, who, under duress, reveals that Oedipus is the king's murderer. Oedipus reacts with anger and disbelief. He is, however, increasingly haunted by Tiresias' accusation; in an attempt to dispel his fears, Queen Jocasta recounts the Oracle's prophecy, the abandonment of the child on the mountainside and the death of King Laius by robbers at the crossroads. Her story triggers Oedipus' realisation that he might be the king's murderer.
Oedipus becomes increasingly desperate to prove the prophecy wrong. His emotions oscillate between denial and a desperate need to uncover the truth, clinging to any detail that might exonerate him. Eventually, a messenger from Corinth arrives to inform him of the death of King Polybus. This news initially relieves Oedipus, but subsequent revelations by the messenger that he was adopted fill Oedipus with dread. The final realisation occurs when the shepherd, commanded to expose baby Oedipus on the mountainside, confirms that Oedipus is the son of Laius and Jocasta.
Upon this revelation, Jocasta hangs herself in despair. A distraught Oedipus blinds himself with the pins from Jocasta's brooches. He relinquishes the throne and goes into exile, wandering the land. After years of isolation, Oedipus's death at Colonus is peaceful. He disappears during a thunderstorm, signifying his acceptance by the gods.
Fate: Setting the Stage, Not Sculpting the Storyline
The Oedipus myth is typically viewed through the lens of the inevitability of fate. The tragic irony of the narrative is that every action taken by Oedipus, Jocasta and Laius propels them towards fulfilling the Oracle of Delphi's prophecy. A more nuanced interpretation, however, seems appropriate, where the critical role of free will in shaping destiny is emphasised.
Indeed, Oedipus' story is a testament to acts of personal agency. Pivotal decisions mark Oedipus' journey: from leaving Corinth, the confrontation and killing of his father, his agreement to solve the Sphinx's riddle, and his unwavering determination to uncover the truth behind Thebes's plague. These decisions, driven by his desire to safeguard his loved ones and city, underscore the intricate interplay between fate and free will.
Perhaps two acts are worth emphasising: first, Oedipus's relentless pursuit of the truth about his past, despite the guidance of others, to the cost of his ruin, and second, the act of blinding himself, born of guilt and deep remorse. These actions epitomise the human capacity to make choices, not as resignations to divine will but as assertions of personal agency and dignity.
Oedipus' narrative serves as a reminder that tragedy can strike from seemingly minor missteps. It challenges leaders to consider the role of personal accountability and free will in their own lives and decisions. While tragic events may appear random or predetermined – professional setbacks, health issues or personal losses - how we respond to these events is a matter of personal choice. The risk is spiralling downwards out of control. Leadership is not about resigning oneself to fate but actively shaping one's destiny through accountability and ethical decision-making. Oedipus' tale is tragic, but it endures because of his ability to navigate his life with integrity, courage, dignity, and resilience.
Redemptive Power of the Truth
Oedipus' destiny is shaped by hidden truths and the wrongdoing of his parents shortly after his birth.[1] However, his unwavering commitment to uncovering the truth behind the plague ravaging Thebes irrevocably altered Oedipus' path. Driven by a profound sense of duty, justice and responsibility, he embarks on a quest that reveals the dark secrets of his existence, revealing a life built on misconceptions. The unearthed truths challenge the foundation of Oedipus' identity and the legitimacy of his reign.
The revelation of Oedipus's patricide and incest, while catastrophic, offers the opportunity for transformation. In confronting the harsh realities and consequences of his actions, Oedipus' story epitomises the redemptive power of truth. His acceptance of accountability and self-inflicted punishment - blinding himself and accepting exile began Oedipus' moral redemption and the start of healing for Thebes. Oedipus's saga underscores a problematic life lesson: the path to redemption, though fraught with turmoil and suffering, is paved with truth.
For leaders, Oedipus's story illuminates the critical role of truth in personal development and maintaining organisational integrity. It underscores the necessity of courage and humility in facing truths that threaten established perceptions, challenge personal competence or reveal harsh realities. By tackling personal and organisational difficulties openly and honestly, leaders set the stage for transformation and sustainable growth.
Despite its potential to disrupt, embracing the truth is foundational to genuine personal and organisational renewal.
The Truth Will Out
Cultivating an ethical leadership brand is paramount to success throughout a career, with memories stretching even longer. Central to the Oedipus myth is the stark reminder that no matter how deeply buried, the skeletons in our closet inevitably surface. Oedipus and Jocasta's attempts to deny, avoid and evade the truth ultimately come to nought. The narrative arc of the myth illuminates a fundamental reality: attempts to hide and avoid the truth are futile and exacerbate the predicament.
For leaders, this insight is indispensable. It underscores the value of personal integrity and the critical importance of fostering a culture where truth is not only acknowledged but actively sought. Within such a culture, the truth becomes a powerful catalyst for growth and improvement rather than a source of fear.
Slay the "Beast" Early
An intertwined leadership lesson is the imperative to resolve and confront issues as soon as they emerge. Over time, wrongdoing magnifies, ensnaring more and more people and escalating the consequences for all involved. In the Oedipus myth, the repercussions and suffering extend well beyond Jocasta and Oedipus as the citizens of Thebes are pulled into the web of wrongdoing as the plague ravages the city, destroying the lives of both the complicit and the innocent.
For leaders, acknowledging hard-hitting truths and swiftly tackling problems are vital to prevent a crisis from spiralling out of control. By doing so, leaders safeguard their reputation, protect their teams and uphold their responsibility to all stakeholders.
Conclusion
For modern leaders, Oedipus' legacy is a clarion call to embrace the truth as a non-negotiable pillar of leadership. It urges leaders to confront challenges head-on, with the courage to face uncomfortable truths and the wisdom to act with moral clarity. Let Oedipus' story inspire a commitment to shaping a destiny defined not by fate but by our values and choices. In leadership, as in life, the double-edged sword of redemption and success is forged by our unwavering pursuit of truth.
References
Heroes: The Myths of the Ancient Greek Heroes Retold, Stephen Fry, 2018
[1] Judged by modern ethical standards. "Exposure" was morally and socially acceptable in Greek and Roman society.