a day ago
- The author defines heroes as people who influence him, not just those who are admirable, and they must pass a test: would he ask what they would do in his situation?
- All heroes share two qualities: they care excessively about their work and are absolutely honest, never pandering to their audience.
- Jack Lambert is a hero because of his relentless determination and personal investment in every play.
- Kenneth Clark is praised as the best nonfiction writer, with deep love for art and a style full of dense, rapid ideas.
- Larry Mihalko was a teacher who was intellectually curious and genuinely liked his students, making learning an adventure.
- Leonardo da Vinci's work was often for his own exploration; his drawings, though not made for an audience, are masterpieces.
- Robert Morris is notable for his quality of never being wrong, achieved through careful qualification and integrity.
- P.G. Wodehouse is a great writer because of his effortless style, rhythm, and lack of concern for what others thought.
- Alexander Calder's sculptures radiate happiness and never get boring, reflecting his own optimism.
- Jane Austen is considered the best novelist because her stories feel real, with no visible authorial manipulation.
- John McCarthy invented Lisp, a conceptual leap that bridged math and practical programming, influencing all later languages.
- The Spitfire represents a convergence of heroic devotion and courage, embodying optimism against a brutal machine.
- Steve Jobs combined extraordinary taste with the role of a Renaissance patron, showing the importance of design.
- Isaac Newton serves as a model for tackling big, fundamental questions rather than small, comfortable problems.