"I wouldn't give much for a man who warms himself with the comfort of vain hopes. Let a man nobly live or nobly die."
Sophocles,Ajax
You really don't get quotes like this from our leaders today. As much progress we've made in this world, we certainly have lost sight of somethings in my eyes.
Shakespeare's Henry V's St. Crispin's day speech also embodies honor and nobility that is rare in today's society.
Posted by: Haemi | November 22, 2004 at 04:02 PM
CT, I don't follow your meaning.
Posted by: tom | November 22, 2004 at 10:14 PM
Well, my comments actually harken to a deeper issue I see today, the lack of resolute leaders like we once had. I mean, they all seemed to die out shortly after WW2, as if our society doesn't accept strong leaders and what strong leaders must do anymore. I mean as much as I personally admire Bush, he's no Churchill. Nor is he Lincoln, nor is he many other men in the past who have risen to high plateaus. I almost wonder if this is because society has come to a point where we just distrust any kind of men of power and thus we are getting the leaders we deserve. Men shaped by media, who's desicions are guided by what people will say rather than what must be done. I find this greatly disappointing and I believe that this lack of such leaders is also reflecting on our society to the point where we don't know what a great leader is. Our leaders have people who really shouldn't be leaders (see many athletes).
Not saying things were perfect in the past but when I read about the decisive battles of the past, one thing is certain, great strides for humanity in war were taken by great men who did as they should, not as they felt others would look upon them, usually the leaders who acted in that way were quick to fall to the great men.
I don't know, it isn't a perfect study backed by facts or anything but inspiration or inspirational figures have become so diluted and deluded in our society I just feel like we're digging a hole for ourselves. Heh, maybe when we reach the bottom we will discover great leaders to bring us back out?
Posted by: CTDeLude | November 23, 2004 at 12:14 AM