By Narasimhan Vijayaraghavan
Our chief want is someone who will inspire us to be what we know we could be.” – Ralph Waldo Emerson, essayist, poet and philosopher
Prologue
For one who exploited the Covid pandemic times to read, read, write and write and continue to write well beyond, compulsive writing is maniacal. Practicing law has always been about learning ( earning too as in monetizing) and sharing. And the famed Justice Felix Frankfurter letter to a 12 year student Paul Claussen who sought advice to take up law as a profession has remained an obsession. So, one engaged and indulged in multiple disciplines ( jack of all trades and master of none, one readily concedes) as a poor man’s clone of Claussen .
From
Mr. Justice Felix Frankfurter (71 years while writing the letter)
To
M. Paul Claussen, Jr., a 12-year-old living in Alexandria, Virginia, US
My dear Paul: May,1854
No one can be a truly competent lawyer unless he is a cultivated man. If I were you I would forget about any technical preparation for the law. The best way to prepare for the law is to be a well-read person. Thus alone can one acquire the capacity to use the English language on paper and in speech and with the habits of clear thinking which only a truly liberal education can give. No less important for a lawyer is the cultivation of the imaginative facultiesby reading poetry, seeing great paintings, in the original or in easily available reproductions, and listening to great music. Stock your mind with the deposit of much good reading, and widen and deepen your feelings by experiencing vicariously as much as possible the wonderful mysteries of the universe, and forget about your future career.
With good wishes,
Sincerely yours,
[Signed] Felix Frankfurter
M. Paul Claussen, Jr.
Well, you may have got the gist of the scary start. Yes, one has chosen to pen a book ( what else) in the name and style on “Great Ones”. Not confined to law. Not biographical sketches but anecdotal and episodal musings from the lives and times of the chosen ‘Great Ones’. Who are these ‘Great Ones’? They would be from MY chosen stable. Those that appeal to me and my senses and sensibilities. After all, it is my work. From any and every field that appeals to my low hanging fruit values.
I would be travelling across multi disciplines. I have known them for long from history . Read them for long. Continue to read them. Social media platforms and free access to audio-video versions, on the information highway are huge in access. This effort would be on the values they espoused and lived by. Not a pen sketch on their births, careers and demises, with datelines. Interesting takes on their Wit & Wisdom.
(Note: These installments may flow daily, weekly or bi weekly or as my fancy takes me. You have been forewarned. Those who care and dare may proceed. Rest are free to exercise the safe/sure option of DELETE, if you have not already!).
Let me for now lay out the contours of my foray, in this Prologue, as it were.
The Essence of Greatness
In the annals of human history, certain individuals stand out not merely for their achievements, but for the indelible marks they leave on the world. These are the great ones—those whose influence transcends their immediate environment, reshaping entire fields and inspiring countless others to strive for excellence. The concept of greatness, while multifaceted, often centers on a combination of vision, innovation, resilience, and the capacity to inspire. This book, titled “Great Ones,” endeavors to explore the lives and legacies of such inspirational leaders across various disciplines, delving into the essence of what makes them remarkable.
Defining Greatness
Greatness is a term that is frequently used but seldom understood in its entirety. It transcends mere success or competence, encompassing a broader spectrum of attributes including moral integrity, visionary thinking, and a commitment to the greater good. Great leaders are those who not only excel in their respective fields but also drive transformative changes that benefit humanity as a whole. They possess a unique combination of intellect, empathy, and tenacity, allowing them to navigate and surmount the formidable challenges they face.
The Multifaceted Nature of Leadership
Leadership, a central theme in the narratives of the great ones, manifests in myriad forms across different fields. In politics, it might be characterized by the ability to unite divided populations and steer nations through tumultuous times. In science, it could involve ground breaking discoveries that alter our understanding of the universe and improve human life. In the arts, leadership often takes the form of creative genius that redefines cultural paradigms and inspires future generations. Each field demands a distinct set of skills and qualities, yet the underlying principles of leadership remain consistent: vision, courage, and an unwavering dedication to one’s mission.
Visionaries in Politics
Political leaders who have achieved greatness often do so by championing causes that resonate deeply with the collective aspirations of their people. Many are revered not just for their political acumen but for their profound moral vision and unwavering commitment to justice and equality. Their leadership extended beyond the confines of traditional politics, embodying a universal quest for human dignity and freedom. Their legacies continue to inspire movements for social justice and human rights across the globe.
Innovators in Science and Technology
The realm of science and technology has been profoundly shaped by individuals whose innovative thinking and relentless pursuit of knowledge have pushed the boundaries of what is possible. Pioneers were those who revolutionized our understanding of physics and chemistry, laying the groundwork for numerous technological advancements. Their intellectual brilliance was matched by an insatiable curiosity and a resilience in the face of adversity. These great ones exemplify the transformative power of scientific inquiry and the enduring impact of technological innovation on society.
Icons in the Arts and Culture
In the arts, greatness is often associated with an unparalleled ability to capture and express the human experience. Artists, Attorneys, poets , Justices and writers , who broke conventions and introduced new perspectives, challenging audiences to see the world through a new prism. Their work transcends time and place, continuing to evoke profound emotional responses and inspire creativity. The influence of these artistic and cultural icons extends beyond their immediate contributions, shaping the evolution of artistic expression and cultural identity.
The Legacy of Greatness
The legacies of great leaders are not confined to their lifetimes; they ripple through history, influencing subsequent generations and shaping the future. These individuals often leave behind not just tangible achievements but also a philosophical and ethical framework that guides future endeavors in their fields. Their stories serve as powerful reminders of the potential for human greatness and the enduring impact of visionary leadership.
Conclusion
As we embark on the journey through the lives and legacies of the great ones in this book, we aim to uncover the principles and qualities that define true greatness. By examining the diverse paths taken by these inspirational leaders, we hope to illuminate the common threads that unite them and offer insights into how their extraordinary contributions continue to inspire and guide us. “Great Ones” is not just a celebration of individual achievement but a tribute to the enduring power of visionary leadership and its capacity to effect profound and lasting change in the world. And hopefully inform and inspire!
Join me, if you care and dare!
