What historical figure has had the most profound effect on your life?

There are few axioms as true as this:

"Those who do not learn their history are doomed to repeat it."

With apologies to Gertrude Stein (who may well turn up in the answers to this question), the query today begs the answer of your most beloved historical figure. Whose life, example, circumstances, or simple panache has made them your idol? Fond of FDR? Gaga for Gauguin? Do you refer to William the Conqueror as 'good old Billy?' Do you know Lucretia Borgia's recipe for soup? Do you know why ELSE Catherine was great??? Tell us!

For me, I have always found the strength and resolve of Harriet Tubman to be inspirational. I find guidance in the examples of Irving Berlin, John Churchill Chase, Mary Martin, and Moss Hart.

Anonymous2006-07-17T11:07:59Z

Favorite Answer

Vince Lombardi, George Patton all the men that died at the alamo

NateTrain2006-07-18T00:02:01Z

George S. Patton Jr.-General, Warrior, Poet, Scholar
Ronald Reagan-Greatest American President since TR
Theodore Roosevelt-Outdoorsman, Soldier, Peacemaker

Ella S2006-07-17T18:14:54Z

Empress Catherine the Great- In an age which really maligned women she went her own way and succesfully ruled an empire without an emperor. She brought the age of enlightenment to Russia and transformed it from a backward thinking country into a world power.

Gerard S2006-07-17T18:28:23Z

Thomas Alva Edison as an example of determination and will applied to creatively bettering the human condition.

.2006-07-17T18:28:50Z

Marie Antoinette. When reading about her, I learned how nice she was. Before reading about her, I thought she was a tyrant. It made me re-study all the historical "facts" I had ever known. I discovered there are a lot of myths and half-truths out there.

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