For many, Alexander the Great, Julius Caesar, Carolus Magnus, William the Conqueror and many more are considered great men, then, probably around Napoleon and Hitler, things swing to tyrants, oppressors and homicidal maniacs.
All of the aforementioned have acted in their own interests, with a total lack of empathy for the people conquered and have played chess with the lives of their own countrymen in the world´s arena.
I´m not judging, I just want your opinions.
Do you think we should just put them all in the same category, or are there special circumstances that change their status?
Sorry for posting this here, but I like the regulars here and for good or worse, many already know me.
You´re free to elaborate as much as you want.
2007-09-01 09:08:12 · 5 answers · asked by Anonymous in Society & Culture ➔ Religion & Spirituality
synchronicity of "greatness" definition.
percent of the world which has your DNA:
"Genghis Khan ......, the average man alive then has 20 descendants alive today in his direct male line. In contrast, with about 16 million direct male descendants, this one mega-ancestor was something like 800,000 times more successful than the average. ...."
Genghis Khan would probably rate the title of "great"
not exactly the Mother Teresa criteria, but DNA makes a statement on many levels.
2007-09-01 11:55:55 · answer #1 · answered by atheistforthebirthofjesus 6 · 0⤊ 0⤋
greatness will always remain in the eye of the beholder. I doubt if the people who Alexander conquered thought any too highly of him. My opinion of greatness is that which creates some overall good, meaning, truth or beauty for the world in general and our species in particular. That definition is sufficiently vague as to render it probably acceptable to a great many people, HOWEVER, it wold not be a universally accepted definition, because there will always be a different opinion
2007-09-01 14:12:59 · answer #2 · answered by Lady Morgana 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Those that are considered great have had the ability to conquer and rule or they have empathy with (not for) the common man. What people wish they could do themselves and can't for what ever reason, they worship and admire in others. Hence the greatness factor. Fun question. heehee Thanks.
2007-09-01 11:38:36 · answer #3 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
Greatness is a matter of perspective. It really depends on who's side you are on.
2007-09-01 09:13:07 · answer #4 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
I think they are all great except Hitler...I am not sure what his achievement is, except "hypnotising" people.
Greatness doesn't have to be positive.
2007-09-01 09:30:50 · answer #5 · answered by Sam 6 · 0⤊ 0⤋