issue 36

TOPIC: ISSUE36 - "The greatness of individuals can be decided only by those who live after them, not by their contemporaries."

WORDS: 458         TIME: 1:15:52          DATE: 2007-2-11紫金香1c}i%CzP;t

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Is it correct that the greatness of individual can be evaluated only by those who live after them, not by their contemporaries as the speaker claims? I concede, when it comes to certain realms, it is truth. Nevertheless, when it comes to the other realms, the answer rounds the other side. To better illustrate my point, let me discuss in detail.

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To begin with, let us get down into the artistic realm. The achievements of those artists often cannot be recognized by the contemporaries, because these gifted artists are often ahead of the time they live. A fitting example in this point is the paint sunflower of Van Gogh, which is one of the most famous works in impressionism. This painting is famous for its unique use of painting and color style. Yet, in Van Gogh's time, this picture is regarded as only a piece of paper which is worthless appreciating and evaluating. In respect to the natural science realm, a scientific theory has to stand for long terms of scrutiny and contention. Thus the contributions of scientists are often decided by those who live after them. For instance, the heliocentricism of Copernicus cannot be accepted by populace at the beginning, because it is conflict with the Aristotle's geocentricism. Thus Copernicus was scorned and even persecuted at that time. His theory cannot be comprehended and accepted until his death. In short, the significance of a scientist cannot be recognized by the contemporaries—only by scientists who live after them.

As to the business field, however, in most of time the achievements are often recognized immediately. The success of Microsoft's Bill Gate is an apt example to illustrate this point. Bill made a great contribution because his is largely responsible for reliving the American economy from the depression in 1970 and restoring America to the status of economic powerhouse in the world. Few will dispute that Bill Gates is one of the richest person in money as well as in reputation. As to the politic realm, the greatness of a politician is readily proved by the improvement of the welfare and the healthy lever of population. For instance, Roosevelt, who is one of the presidents of America, is famous for his effective contribution of New Deal. His New Deal promotes the welfare and healthy lever of American populace efficiently. All of these instances inform us that the contribution of individual in business and politics can be decided in contemporary time.        

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