In the vast river of history, great figures are like radiant stars hanging high in the sky, their brilliance shining forth, casting a luminous glow on humanity’s path forward and forging a grand and majestic tapestry of world history.
We often commemorate great figures at different times and on various occasions. However, they are not merely objects of praise and admiration. As one great figure once said, “I am but a mortal who once answered a calling.” Thus, we should learn from them, taking them as exemplars, and earnestly draw upon the wisdom and strength they devoted to human civilization. Great figures are both mentors and friends; even if our study of them lacks depth or comprehensiveness, we can always glean benefits from their legacy. They are like dazzling sources of light—those who draw near are bathed in their glow. Their shining radiance illuminates the entire world, serving not just as guiding lamps but as the sun and moon, leading us steadily along the grand avenue of civilization.
We must soberly recognize that in the annals of world history, no matter how great an individual may be, they should not be revered as gods. Once, deeming great figures divine was a profoundly foolish error. Great figures, too, are ordinary people who, through extraordinary talent, resolute will, and tireless effort, played monumental roles in specific historical moments. We must view them objectively and rationally, extracting wisdom and strength from their life journeys rather than blindly idolizing them.
Opening The 100: A Ranking of the Most Influential Persons in History, we encounter resounding names etched like indelible marks on the monument of time, radiating boundless power. From Muhammad to Newton, from Confucius to Einstein, they either reshaped ideologies or propelled scientific advancement, influencing the course of the world in distinctive ways. Tempered by the vicissitudes of time, their achievements remain resplendently brilliant.
Thomas Carlyle’s On Heroes, Hero-Worship, and the Heroic in History introduces six types of great figures—“divine heroes, prophetic heroes, poetic heroes, priestly heroes, literary heroes, and kingly heroes”—offering us profound inspiration. With unwavering faith, fearless courage, and exceptional wisdom, these heroes became objects of reverence and admiration, performing legendary feats on the stage of history and leaving an indelible mark on human progress.
In Deng Xiaoping and the Transformation of China, Deng Xiaoping emerges as a great figure who altered China’s destiny. With steadfast conviction and outstanding leadership, he steered China onto the path of reform and opening up, ushering in transformative changes. His wisdom and courage elevated China’s stature on the global stage, contributing significantly to world peace and development. His era is worthy of eternal remembrance.
Elon Musk, too, stands among the great figures. In Elon Musk: Tesla, SpaceX, and the Quest for a Fantastic Future, his innovative spirit and fearless exploration make him a legend in the realm of technology. Through Tesla and SpaceX, he continuously pushes the boundaries of human possibility, charting new paths for humanity’s future, akin to a modern-day “Iron Man” transforming the world. Notably, “Tesla” honors Nikola Tesla, the father of electromagnetism, inventor of the alternating current system, and pioneer of wireless communication.
Then there are ancient Chinese thinkers like Laozi, Confucius, and Mencius, whose philosophies profoundly shaped Chinese culture. Among them, Fu Sheng is equally remarkable. Known as the preserver of The Book of Documents, China’s first historical text, he risked his life during Qin Shi Huang’s book-burning campaign to hide the text within the walls of his home. Amid war and chaos, he wandered tirelessly to safeguard and spread Confucian teachings, leaving a lasting impact on Chinese Confucian scholarship.
Great figures are like lightning in the sky, instantly illuminating the heavens, while ordinary people are like fuel awaiting ignition. With the spark of these great individuals, they too can blaze and shine. Through extraordinary thought and action, great figures awaken the potential within ordinary people, leading us all to strive together for humanity’s advancement. Let us hold them in reverence, take them as models, and contribute to the inheritance of human civilization, continuing to write glorious chapters in history.
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