Showing posts with label People. Show all posts
Showing posts with label People. Show all posts

Sunday, December 18, 2011

Ideas Never Die

The first snippet I always read upon receiving a new edition of the Economist is the Obituary. In a magazine often populated by depressing articles near the beginning, reading that last page about a life well lived brings a feeling of strange optimism. There actually are people who do great things, whether it be in watchmaking or writing.

In nearly every case, the person profiled has done something to disrupt the status quo. They created new organizations, fought for suppressed ideals, created artistry where there previously was none. Some overthrew governments -- going on to be tyrants or beloved freedom fighters.