Introduction to Bob Kraus’ Philosophical Insights
On January 24th, as part of the 18:83 Speaker Series, Robert Kraus, Dean of the John D. Odegard School of Aerospace Sciences, delivered a compelling talk captured beautifully in a photograph by Adam Kurtz for UND Today. His discussion spanned a wide array of topics, from the timeless lessons of ancient philosophers to the modern-day applications of these principles in leadership and personal growth.
Leadership Through History and Philosophy
Dean Kraus’ presentation wove together historical and philosophical threads, drawing from both ancient and contemporary sources. He explored Stephen Covey’s influential ideas from “The Seven Habits of Highly Effective People,” and reflected on the resilience of Adm. James Stockdale during the Vietnam War, inspired by Stoic philosophy. This philosophical journey underscored the power of maintaining control over one’s responses to life’s unpredictable challenges.
Embracing the Dash: Living Fully and Leading Well
Central to his talk was the concept of “Living your dash,” a metaphor for making the most out of the time between our birth and death, which Kraus highlighted as crucial for personal fulfillment and effective leadership. He humorously integrated the “Memento Mori” philosophy to remind the audience of life’s fleeting nature, urging them to seize every moment with vigor and purpose. The upcoming session in the series promises to extend these enriching discussions, featuring Jeremy Holloway on February 7th, focusing on geriatric education.