Great Conquerors: Queen Elizabeth I

Greetings, Enlightened Samurai Enthusiasts,

In this edition of Great Conquerors, we will travel to the Golden Age of England and witness the reign of Queen Elizabeth I, “the Virgin Queen.”

Queen Elizabeth I is not a conqueror in the traditional sense. She was a woman who made England flourish in the 16th Century and achieved some great victories, which places her on par with the male conquerors we have discussed before. To elaborate on this, we will showcase her Steadfast Balance and Intricate Diplomacy in this edition of Great Conquerors.

Steadfast Balance:

Queen Elizabeth I ascended to the throne during a tumultuous time. With religious conflicts brewing and political tensions high, she had to tread a dangerous path. Yet, with an unwavering spirit, she maintained a delicate balance between the Protestant and Catholic factions, leading her nation to prosperity and a period known as the Elizabethan Era. Her refusal to marry and the resulting epithet "The Virgin Queen" further symbolizes her commitment to steadfast independence.

The Value:  

In the face of adversity and external pressures, maintaining a steadfast stance grounded in one's principles can lead to enduring success and stability. Elizabeth managed the upheavals of her time by standing as a pillar of strength and holding true to herself and her values. It would be best if you were like her, stand firmly for your values and yourself. This steadfast nature comes from:

1. Affirm your values (I support single fatherhood, or I do not drink)

2. State your strong conviction to these values (I will firmly defend this value if someone criticizes it or I am willing to suffer for it)

3. Stay true to your conviction (Defend or Suffer)

Becoming Steadfast is how you build a stronger character, which can resist hardship, opposition and temptation. This three-step process can help fight off bad habits and create a very attractive person if done consistently.

Intricate Diplomacy: 

Elizabeth deftly navigated the treacherous waters of European politics, fostering alliances and sidestepping potential conflicts. Her keen sense of timing, coupled with her ability to read people and situations, ensured England remained relatively peaceful during her reign, even as the rest of Europe was often embroiled in disputes.

The Value:   

Being Observant. You can gain insight from watching and understanding your environment. Elizabeth navigated European politics by observing and understanding the environment entirely before taking any steps. So, in unfamiliar or even hostile environments, observe the people around you and assess them empirically to grasp your surroundings and begin formulating a plan. A plan to achieve a desirable outcome in that environment. Being observant requires a lot of presence, and it’s the opposite of acting on impulse. It is also necessary to become a good strategist, like the “Virgin Queen.”

Next Edition Teaser:

Napoleon Bonaparte: Mastering Innovation & Strategy. Journey with us as we dissect the brilliant mind of the French emperor who reshaped the European landscape.