Tahir Shah's book, "House of the Tiger King: The Quest for a Lost City," explores the darker aspects of leadership and ambition. He provocatively suggests that anyone who has led a group, whether an army or even a group of Boy Scouts, possesses an element of sadism. This statement highlights the inherent traits leaders might embody, emphasizing that a certain ruthlessness or desire for control can be part of their nature.

The author delves into the complexities of human behavior in leadership roles, suggesting that the drive to lead often intertwines with a willingness to impose one's will on others. This perspective opens up a discussion about the moral implications of leadership and the psychological profiles of those who pursue such roles, showing that ambition may sometimes come with unsettling traits.