They say “never meet your heroes.” This reel not only reinforces that notion, it reminds us that even the giants of history were just humans, with human flaws and fallibility.
BAILI! As we discussed before, the brilliant Stoic Roman Emperor Marcus Aurelius made his deplorable son Commodus his successor. I recently read in Ryan Holiday’s book “Right Thing, Right Now” on page 56 about TJ: “… Jefferson was joined by Sally Hemings, his slave and concubine, whom he controlled and raped (and strung along with hopes of freedom … and of legally recognizing their children).”
One thing I didn't mention was the too-common practice of judging historical figures with present-day moral codes. We are more moral than our ancestors, that is for certain - and this risks opening up the "objective morality" debate that I cover on the other blog. But their relative immorality doesn't weaken the good things they accomplished.
We served our neighborhood for 40 years, and many were sad when we closed. By that measure alone, we must have done pretty well. It was a classic NYC diner, so we're not talking haute cuisine or Michelin stars, but we strove to put good food on the plate.
I would add if you do meet your heroes, meet them very briefly. I have been fortunate to meet a few of my heroes in person, in 2 of 3 of these examples at a book signing. Brigadier General Paul Tibbets, Astronaut and Rear Admiral Alan Shepherd, and hall of fame football player Johnny Unitas. They didn't have the time or opportunity to disappoint, and I left very pleased. 5 stars, would recommend.
BAILI! As we discussed before, the brilliant Stoic Roman Emperor Marcus Aurelius made his deplorable son Commodus his successor. I recently read in Ryan Holiday’s book “Right Thing, Right Now” on page 56 about TJ: “… Jefferson was joined by Sally Hemings, his slave and concubine, whom he controlled and raped (and strung along with hopes of freedom … and of legally recognizing their children).”
One thing I didn't mention was the too-common practice of judging historical figures with present-day moral codes. We are more moral than our ancestors, that is for certain - and this risks opening up the "objective morality" debate that I cover on the other blog. But their relative immorality doesn't weaken the good things they accomplished.
Thanks, Peter, for that reminder.
Peter, please tell me about the other blog 😄
https://freetobeme.substack.com
Peter, I look to you for insightful libertarian perspectives…but…was the food in your restaurant any good? :)
We served our neighborhood for 40 years, and many were sad when we closed. By that measure alone, we must have done pretty well. It was a classic NYC diner, so we're not talking haute cuisine or Michelin stars, but we strove to put good food on the plate.
“When those saviors succeed at fixing a problem, we are tempted to think they can fix more problems.”
So true! “You know, you did a helluva job on that lawn mower. I think I’ll let you do my taxes!”
https://youtu.be/x4R0mfIPVG8?si=ATCHO0Iq2Fi9-EOm
I would add if you do meet your heroes, meet them very briefly. I have been fortunate to meet a few of my heroes in person, in 2 of 3 of these examples at a book signing. Brigadier General Paul Tibbets, Astronaut and Rear Admiral Alan Shepherd, and hall of fame football player Johnny Unitas. They didn't have the time or opportunity to disappoint, and I left very pleased. 5 stars, would recommend.