Through the years of the Roman Empire (from Octavian's assumption of sole rule to the fall of the Western Roman Empire, 31 BC-AD 476), many rulers perhaps should not have been. Julius Caesar was the final 𝘋𝘪𝘤𝘵𝘢𝘵𝘰𝘳 𝘱𝘦𝘳𝘱𝘦𝘵𝘶𝘰 of the Roman Republic (44 BC), who, like many others, suffered a violent death caused by a political disagreement over his assumption of too much power, thwarting the rules that kept the Republic a republic. Caesar’s distant relative Octavian, also known as Augustus, found ways to get around appearing to be an emperor, meanwhile taking more control, and taking over most political branches, which is something Julius Caesar never could have accomplished. Most of Augustus’ predecessors followed suit and got as much power as they liked.
Most, if not all, of Rome’s rulers were tyrants. Even the military was like this. Many people are still like this today. A system is put in place to hide it for those deemed important enough, but many people in the world still act this way, so it can be important to understand who is not a tyrant because you are one if you think everyone's out to get you.
Leaders are the exact opposite of tyrants, from their worldview to how they choose to rule, although they are both authoritative types. A true leader works for the benefit of those around them, they get joy and pride out of knowing that they have helped another. A tyrant works for the benefit of one’s self. They get joy and pride out of knowing how much those around them praise them. Leaders inspire trust among those who choose to follow, to build and create a joyous team benefitting from hard work.
Tyrants often turn people against each other, making it easier for sides to be made and the tyrant to have the winning side. Life is their game. Leaders look at every person they are involved with as a part of their grand vision. Everyone has a part to play. Tyrants believe that anyone who is not helping them in their achievements are annoying obstacles. If they are not an enemy they are at least not to be trusted. Everyone is out to get a tyrant in a tyrant’s own mind. Leaders inspire people with positive enforcement and care. Tyrants intimidate others using their language and often body language. Leaders speak of others’ accomplishments and their team’s glories with love and pride. Tyrants praise themselves and talk of their own earnings.
Leaders are excellent at collaborating and often come across as a mentor. Tyrants tend to come off as messiahs. Whether they know it or not, that is how they choose to think of themselves. And leaders motivate others to grow and evolve empowering world views. Tyrants tell you the rules of their world that must be accepted, or you are no use to them.
Augustus Caesar is a great illustration of tyrannical behavior. Augustus broke all the rules, in a way. He called himself “The First Citizen” rather than an emperor to imply that he is better than everyone, instead of saying it. He also had power over all of the political branches that were originally created to keep some power and authority away from the emperor.
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