"اولین روش برای سنجش هوش یک حاکم این است که به مردانی که اطرافش هستند نگاه کنیم"

To really get what this quote means, imagine you're at a party. The host is someone you don't know well, but you get a pretty good idea about them just by observing their friends. If the gang is fun, respectful, and kind, you assume the host is probably a decent person, too. This is the gist of the quote: you can often judge a leader's intelligence and character by the quality of the people they surround themselves with.

Historically, this concept has deep roots. Take ancient Rome, for instance. The emperors who were wise and effective? They usually had strong advisors and generals. Augustus, the first emperor, was surrounded by brilliant minds like Agrippa and Maecenas. These guys weren't just yes-men; they brought valuable insights and held Augustus accountable. On the flip side, rulers who kept sycophants close often made disastrous decisions. It’s a powerful reminder that no one succeeds alone, especially not in leadership.

Let’s bring this idea into a real-world situation. Think about a successful CEO you admire. Steve Jobs, for instance. He didn’t just hire people who agreed with him all the time; he hired experts who challenged him and brought diverse perspectives to the table. This was one of the keys to Apple's innovation. If Jobs had surrounded himself with people who only told him what he wanted to hear, who knows if we'd have iPhones and MacBooks today? The quality of his team was a direct reflection of his intelligence as a leader.

So, how can you apply this principle in your life? Let’s say you’re leading a project at work. Instead of picking team members who are your friends or who won’t challenge your ideas, choose people who bring different skills and viewpoints. This way, you create a dynamic where the best ideas can surface, and you avoid the echo chamber effect. It might feel uncomfortable at first—nobody likes being challenged—but it’s crucial for growth and success.

Now, let’s paint a more personal picture. Imagine you’re back in high school. You're part of a group project that will determine a big chunk of your grade. You’ve got one friend who’s super smart but sometimes arrogant, another who’s creative but a bit disorganized, and a third who’s great at keeping everyone on track but not the most original thinker. By including all of them, you're covering a lot of bases. You might not always agree, and that’s the point. The friction helps polish your ideas, and in the end, you come out with a project that’s stronger than anything you could have done alone. That’s the essence of surrounding yourself with the right people.

So next time you’re in a leadership role, or even just looking to improve your circle, think about the qualities and strengths of those around you. Are they people who push you to be better, or are they just telling you what you want to hear? Your answer will tell you a lot about your own intelligence and character.