Opening the stacks
Opening the stacks
The seven qualities defined by Balbo—Judgment, Comprehension, Consultation, Tirelessness, Firm Handling of Data, Fidelity to Cosmic Patterns, and Holy Fear—serve as criteria for selecting world leaders.
2 chapters across 2 books
In this chapter, Gaetan Balbo forcefully enters the scene, asserting himself as a charismatic and ambitious figure seeking to identify the ideal leader or leadership group to guide the world, relying on the Ktistec machine Epikt to find candidates fulfilling seven specific qualities. A rivalry and tension emerge between Balbo, the 'uncertified king,' and Gregory Smirnov, the 'giant,' reflecting a deeper conflict about leadership and human potential. Epikt, the machine narrator, grapples with its own identity and role, simultaneously analyzing human qualities and asserting its own claim to leadership, while the human characters continue their work amid this charged atmosphere.
The chapter presents an in-depth and challenging interview between Oriana Fallaci and Henry Kissinger, revealing his complex personality, guarded demeanor, and pragmatic approach to leadership and war. It explores Kissinger's influential role in shaping US foreign policy, particularly regarding Vietnam, his prioritization of strength over intelligence in leadership, and his cold calculation of war casualties. The interview also highlights the gender dynamics and power struggles inherent in accessing such a high-profile political figure.