The Hellenistic Age saw the nexus of Greek culture and philosophy spread throughout the Mediterranean. Old politics and methods of thought based in the ancient Greek city states needed to be adapted to a new world order.

Ancient Helenians were engaged in both reason and logical analysis, as never before in the history of humanity, and it can be argued that such displays of leadership laid the foundations for Western thought, democracy, even organised society as we now know it.

Today our city of Sydney is undergoing a metamorphosis of equal magnitude.

Our population has passed the five-million mark; we are one of the most ethnically diverse cities in the world; we have, and are still undergoing, a vertical and horizontal expansion; as well as witnessing the most prolific road, rail and airport building program the country has ever seen.

But sadly, we only ever hear about the problems: the airport rail and road program is incomplete; the WestConnex is resuming land from disgruntled property owners; the light rail to Randwick is over-budget; the Northwest Rail Link is too expensive; the retailers along George Street are suffering due to the road closures.

Just recently, the Berejiklian government back-peddled on its promise to build a series of affordable housing developments throughout Sydney due to extensive community backlash. Yes, we have turned into a nation of moaners, whingers and whiners. And that was never the “Australian way”.

There are short-term problems with all projects, including the ones currently being undertaken in our harbour city, only because that is how the world works. But I wonder if those businesses who end up thriving, or the residents that end up with increased home values, will one day send a cheque and a thank-you note to the taxpayers of NSW for the permanent benefit they will have sustained? I doubt it very much.

Perhaps we can learn from the sagacious words of Aristotle. Equally confronted by the-then novel concept of democracy in the 4th century BC, Aristotle believed that the best means of resolving complex and contentious issues was through leadership.

He argued that even the best ideas required persuasion. And this would be accomplished through the application of three concepts: ethos; pathos; logos – ethics; empathy; and logic.

Today’s “leaders” appear to have “bucket loads” of empathy for those who feel that their rights to unobstructed views, no noise disruptions and an easy life should never be infringed by Sydney’s urban development aspirations.

We’ve seen this in the winding back of the NSW government’s development plans along the Sydenham-Bankstown corridor, after sustained community backlash.

We need both our state and local planners to adopt a less cautionary approach to life and growth and the city. We need a brave approach that considers not only the pathos of those already residing, but that also applies ethics, logic and rational thinking to the important need for rejuvenation and growth.

This is essential in continuing to build a successful economy and a world-leading city. If all the system can do is slow things down for fear of injury to others, all will be placed like so many others, on the sidelines of history.

So if the rubbish tip at Tempe could not be changed, you would not have a new IKEA store employing 600 people. If the wasted unproductive land at Rosemeadow could not be rezoned, you could not have a state-of-the-art aged-care home. If Woolloomooloo Wharf could not be recast, you would not have some of Sydney’s best restaurants, city-apartment living and great views.

To not rezone, renew and change is not to stand still – it’s to fall behind.

Aristotle was a revolutionary thinker who recognised that in order to break down both literal and metaphorical roadblocks, effective leadership and persuasion were key. It’s time today’s leaders exerted the same influence.

Dr Shane Geha is managing director, EG Property & Urban Planning