"Wag the dog so-to-speak?"
Who are your Historical Role Models?
Since I first discovered this site when I was a teenager, I have made an effort to strive to be the best Man I could be. Part of that means learning as I go along, but another part is by taking lessons from other Great Men of History. My heroes include:
- Theodore Roosevelt: The Man is a hero of mine since reading "The Rise of Theodore Roosevelt" by Edmund Morris. He personifies the idea of taking life by the horns and going for it.
- Sean Connery: yes, I know he is an Actor, but DAMN is he a cool Actor. The man not only 007, personifying the cool Bond before Daniel Craig saved the francise once more, but his life is an exciting one at that.
- Francisco "Pancho" Villa: For those unaware, he was a Mexican Revolutionary who rose up through humble beginnigs to combat his country's corrupt regime and fought for his beliefs. He was by no means a perfect man, but then again he wasn't trying to be.
- Andrew Carnegie: He also rose from humble beginnings to become one of the wealthiest men in America. He may have skirted the law at times and conducted scrupulous dealings at time, but he made a huge impact on the world today. His Philosophy on life and finance are a must read for any young person today.
- Winston Churchill: The man was the embodiment of courage under fire, having strenth when it was in short supply. He was quotable, likeable, and above all, he had BEARING!
- Ernest Hemingway: An excellent writer who can say in 2 words what others needed 5 for. He personal life was also an extravegant bit of business. 3
- Chesty Puller: Wikipedia him if you need to. I won't do him any justice here.
These are the people who's example I try to follow. They weren't perfect and they made mistakes, but they lived their lives as best they could. In a time when people are more focused in the mundane, their legacy is my inspiration to consistently challenge my believes and live my life on my terms; to avoid any rut I may get into, and get out of my comfort zone. I could go on but I think you all get the gist of it.
While I know and acknowledge that we all have loved ones who have had an impact on our lives, I'm interested in knowing if there is anyone out there who's life has been affected or changed by the life of another person they may never have met.
So here is where my curiosity comes to fruition. Who are *your* role models and why?
Thanks!
Replies to This Discussion
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Permalink Reply by Sam I. on -
One of my principal historical inspirations is Joshua Chamberlain, a fellow Mainer and Civil War hero. He was a man of letters, as well as action. He spoke seven languages, was an expert broadsword fencer and wood splitter, talented orator, naturalist, tactician, writer, and eventually, successful Governor of our state. He was also a true egalitarian in a time when political correctness didn't make that at least a token given. He had unshakable values, courage and eloquence.
Another one of my heroes is author Louis Lamour. The man was an adventurer, and drew from that extensive experience to write his extremely successful books. Who today gets to be an elephant wrangler, navy sailor, professional boxer and ranch hand? He translated his passion for adventure into book form, ready for digestion by young men who had that same hunger. Having his words engrained into my soul by age 13 has probably affected me more than I know.
I could go on with other figures, as a history buff I've got too many to count. But those are two of my most prominent role models.
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Permalink Reply by Cisco Carson on -
Lamour is buried at Forrest Lawn in Glendale, Ca. I see it all the time.
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Permalink Reply by L De Guzmán on -
Jesus, Buddha, Genghis Khan, Leonardo Da Vinci, Michaelangelo, Claude Monet, Vincent VanGogh, J.R.R.Tolkien, C.S.Lewis, those guys.
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Permalink Reply by Jack Bauer on -
Jesus and Buddha are an interesting pairing. Jesus, Buddha and Genghis Khan even moreso.
JB
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Permalink Reply by L De Guzmán on
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Yep, JB and Vytautas. Yin and Yang. A balance in everything.
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Permalink Reply by Michael B. on
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I did a paper and presentation on Benjamin Franklin that expanded my regard for him as a thinker and statesman.
I particularly enjoy thinkers.
Though, I have also read the autobiographies of some modern men that I found to be particularly enjoyable and admirable; WWE wrestlers Kurt Angle, Mick Foley, and Dwayne "The Rock" Johnson. Each and every one of them had times in their lives that were driven by pure will and determination. Bruce Campbell, B-Movie and television actor, currently on Burn Notice on the USA network. His long standing friendship with Sam and Ted Raimi is fantastic.
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Permalink Reply by Jack Bauer on
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You like thinkers. And pro-wrestlers. Yin and yang strike again.
JB
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Permalink Reply by Landon Orsi on -
My historic role models are:
Theodore Roosevelt and Rod Serling. Roosevelt because of his manliness and Rod Serling because of his creativity.
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Permalink Reply by Cy Per on
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One of my (celebrity) role models is Iker Casillas, the Spanish and Real Madrid goal-keeper. He's become one of the best goal-keepers in recent years. His life is an inspiration to me.
The other man I admire is my uncle, an ex-serviceman. He's been in the army for many years and is a decorated brigadier.
I know neither of them are 'historical' role models, but I just had to mention them.
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