role model noun a person looked to by others as an example to be imitated
from
www.askoxford.com
role model -
someone worthy of imitation; "every child needs a role model"
from
www.thefreedictionary.com
A role model does not necessarily mean someone that you HAVE modeled your life after. I also seriously doubt that Di Vinci or Socrates can be considered a celebrity anymore. Gandhi was, but he would not like that label at all.
So why exactly would do I feel that the above are worthy of modeling my life after?
Socrates- He refused to believe in 'common knowledge'. He steadfastly challenged all knowledge presented to him, even to the point of being sentenced to death by an Athens jury. He pursued truth (unlike the Truth pursued by religious zealots) using reasoning and critical analysis of those facts presented to him. He spent his later years teaching the young educated to question knowledge and use their own minds to decide where truth lay.
What better role model in the search of truth?
Di Vinci- I have always believed that the second you stop learning, you start dying. Studies have found that your mind will retain memories and process cognitive thought better if constantly challenged, very similar to continued exercise of the body allows for longer life. I further believe that you need to exercise both sides of your mind. While you strain against new technical knowledge, you should also force your imagination to create. Di Vinci was the proto-type Renaissance Man. He was a painter, sculptor, architect, engineer, and scientist. Not only that, but he EXCELLED in most things he attempted. His scientific imaginings were far ahead of his time and his artistry is still used as an example of how to draw what you see accurately.
What better role model for the development of the human mind?
Gandhi- Many talk of the bravery of warriors. But would you stare in the face of a man, knowing that he will beat you severely, possibly until death, and/or then throw you in a prison of filth for the rest of your life? Would you do this to simply make a point, in an effort to help prevent abuse and tyranny? Would you continue to do this, no matter how many times you are beaten or imprisoned? Would you turn down offers of wealth and power to sleep in a slum until those around you are given basic human rights? When Gandhi all but ruled India- when millions would utter his name in reverence and follow his orders unto death- he still remained the humble, frail man that slept in the dirt, wore beggars garb, and would spend time every day to spin his own yarn.
What better role model for humility, willpower, and bravery?
I can never hope to achieve the heights of these great men, but I can remember their achievements and use that to strive for being a better person.
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