Reading rank 419
The Edge of the Sword
, subject: Leadership and French politics, 1932
De Gaulle's 1932 leadership tract argues that a leader must be willing to disobey foolish or cowardly orders.
8
Coverage Score
2
Scored evidence
About the book
A translation of Le fil de l'épée, first published in French in 1932.
Why read it
Best if you want a leadership tract on when a foolish or cowardly order should be refused, written by de Gaulle before the role it foreshadowed.
Key themes
- Refusing foolish or cowardly orders
- Convictions set down in advance
Evidence and original sources
Sources: official Founders episodes — #224, #226
This record is supported by 2 public evidence rows linked to original Founders episodes.
- Charles de Gaulle — David introduces de Gaulle's 1932 book The Edge of the Sword as a leadership tract and quotes from it.
- Heroes: From Alexander the Great and Julius Caesar to Churchill and de Gaulle — David says de Gaulle's leadership lectures became The Edge of the Sword and foreshadowed his later role, especially the need to disobey foolish or cowardly orders.