"Great man" theory of history

[ygolo]

Fail to learn from history, and we're doomed to repeat it, is an old addage. But it seems people can learn whatever clap-trap reinforces their existing biases from history.

One theory in particular, and the reaction to it, is central to the way people color their learning.

Great man theory - Wikipedia

en.m.wikipedia.org

One of the leading proponents of this theory, J Rufus Fears, is responsible for a great deal of influence on conservatives.

Some biologist have weighed in:

Spiders debunk the 'Great Man Theory'

The Great Man Theory says very influential individuals use their power to maximize their impact in shaping the course of history. Spiders suggest otherwise.

www.futurity.org

Here is an article from Penn State Leadership about the dangers of the great man theory:

The Dangers of the Great Man Theory

Also, a historian reflects on whether or not there is still value in the great man theory (updated to "Big Beast" theory):

Is There Still Value in ‘Great Man’ History? | History Today

www.historytoday.com

 

[The Cat]

A good man is hard to find. A great man depends upon seasoning and slow cooking.

 

[ceecee]

Fail to learn from history, and we're doomed to repeat it, is an old addage. But it seems people can learn whatever clap-trap reinforces their existing biases from history.

One theory in particular, and the reaction to it, is central to the way people color their learning.

Great man theory - Wikipedia

en.m.wikipedia.org

One of the leading proponents of this theory, J Rufus Fears, is responsible for a great deal of influence on conservatives.

Some biologist have weighed in:

Spiders debunk the 'Great Man Theory'

The Great Man Theory says very influential individuals use their power to maximize their impact in shaping the course of history. Spiders suggest otherwise.

www.futurity.org

Here is an article from Penn State Leadership about the dangers of the great man theory:

The Dangers of the Great Man Theory

Also, a historian reflects on whether or not there is still value in the great man theory (updated to "Big Beast" theory):

Is There Still Value in ‘Great Man’ History? | History Today

www.historytoday.com

This is something to think about. Combined with the amount of mythology passed off as "American history" and it's easy to see how we got to this point.

 

[Kingu Kurimuzon]

most 'greatness' seems to be accidental, incidental, or determined in hindsight, postscript. then there's the countless behind-the-scenes individuals who contribute to change and never get recognized. written history is constantly undergoing revision. Even when we have a multitude of facts and evidence to provide a clear outline of a past event or person, we're constantly revising our interpretation of said people and events to fit our changing mores and understandings. Great example in how historians' evaluations of US presidencies have changed--Wilson used to be considered one of the greats, and now he's fallen down the list quite a ways; JQ Adams has been regarded in a more positive light in recent decades. I used to see Grant's presidency regarded as a failure but his reputation seems to have improved somewhat. Same with monarchs--Richard the Lionheart arguably not so awesome as he'd been portrayed, while his brother John has climbed a bit in reputation.

 

[The Cat]

Perpsective in a hall of mirrors is never quite what it appears to be. Life is the hall and humanity is lost in a funhouse maze of warped perspective.

 

[ygolo]

Another knock on the great man theory, this time in computing in general:

 

[ygolo]

It's funny how even in business circles "Great Man Theory" is completely debunked, but this is the way everyone narrates what happens in entreprenuership.

What is The Great Man Theory? The Great Man Theory In A Nutshell - FourWeekMBA

The great man theory arose during the 19th century thanks in part to historian Thomas Carlyle. The great man theory argues that great leaders are born and not made because they possess certain inherited traits. Aspect Explanation Great Man Theory The Great Man Theory, also known as the Great...

fourweekmba.com

• The great man theory was developed by historian Thomas Carlyle, who argued history was a collection of the biographies of powerful men. He called these men heroes and created six archetypes to categorize the leaders of his day.
• The great man theory has been debunked by modern research.

 

[ceecee]

It's funny how even in business circles "Great Man Theory" is completely debunked, but this is the way everyone narrates what happens in entreprenuership.

What is The Great Man Theory? The Great Man Theory In A Nutshell - FourWeekMBA

The great man theory arose during the 19th century thanks in part to historian Thomas Carlyle. The great man theory argues that great leaders are born and not made because they possess certain inherited traits. Aspect Explanation Great Man Theory The Great Man Theory, also known as the Great...

fourweekmba.com

I would say "business' circles" may be some of the most destructive rhetoric out there no matter what they're talking about.

 

[ygolo]

I would say "business' circles" may be some of the most destructive rhetoric out there no matter what they're talking about.

There is that dynamic of the powerful asserting a certain ideology they require every person entering the arena to parrot. Some version of "kiss the ring and you may enter"--But "kissing the ring" amounts to believing certain things.

There are many of us who have no other choice but to carve our own path. Like it or not, making ends-meet requires following it.