A close friend of mine asked me recently if I had to choose 5 people, alive or dead, to sit down with and have a glass of red wine (or two) who would they be? It was a bit of fun so I thought Id share with you the 5 people that I went with, it was hard to choose just 5! No doubt as time goes on and I learn more about the figures that have shaped our history and the people alive today that continue to do the same, these names will change. But for now! This is my awesome foursome, plus 1!
Charles Darwin – While Darwin didn’t invent evolution, he was the first man to organise his findings in a compelling theory called natural selection. I’m currently reading through origin of species and the first thing I noticed is how meticulous the man was. His attention to detail was incredible, at times mind boggling! As a Christian I hated Darwin, giving in to all the perpetuated nonsense I was told about him being a bitter old man who invented evolution because he hated God and Christianity. Then I did what so many fail to do, I read a book about him. Turns out he wasn’t so bad after all! Another thing about his book that strikes me is the humility of the man. He has an entire chapter of the book dedicated to problems with his theory and how we should discard it if we can’t find this or that. Who does that! I would love to see what Darwin thinks of his theory in light of new discoveries about DNA and through fossil records.
Sir Isaac Newton – Newton is believed to have had the biggest influence on modern science, some say even more influential than Albert Einstein. His work on universal gravitation and the three laws of motion are said by some to be the single greatest individual achievement in the history of science. A lot of his work goes straight over my head and I struggle to understand it. But clearly the man had a brilliant mind if he was able to discover the laws of motion in complete solitude. He is also quoted to say: “If I have seen further it is by standing on the shoulders of giants.” Which I think is a very insightful statement. Although I have read from some sources that he was a bit of a jerk. He also was a man of strong religious faith, so I think he would make for a very interesting addition to the dinner conversation.
Jacque Fresco – Jacque is the founder of the Venus project, a non profit organisation that is committed to social change and finding solutions too many of the problems we face in our society. He is a man of unique and original ideas and is dedicated to doing what he can to ensure the future of the earth and us. Some of his thoughts and ideas are quite radical and not without controversy but he is I believe a man of sincerity and creativity. I would love to listen to the things he has learnt from a long experienced life and ask him tough questions on where he believes we should move in our society.
Mahatma Gandhi – Ghandi inspired India to break free from the oppression of the British. What makes Ghandi special is he did this without firing one bullet or raising one fist. Ghandi was a pacifist. We are now at a point in our history where our destructive technology has developed the capacity to destroy the entire earth along with all its inhabitants. This kind of technology and power has never been available to us until quite recently and unless we can begin to develop diplomatic and constructive solutions to the differences we have with each other I’m afraid it’s all too obvious what the outcome will be. I would love to get Ghandi’s opinions and ideas on how to achieve these diplomatic solutions without the use of war.
Jesus – Jesus was another person in history who fought against oppression. Jesus was born in Judea in a time when the Roman Empire had expanded and held occupancy over Israel. The people were also under the control of corrupt religious leaders. Jesus inspired his fellow Jews not to put up with oppression and to stand up to those who stood over them. His teachings of ethics and morals were far beyond his time, even people today struggle to live up to the concepts of forgiveness and compassion that Jesus taught. Whether you accept the accounts of his divinity or not, his practical teachings for life are something we can all learn from. Would love to see what Jesus thinks of the world today and what he thinks of the organised religions that established themselves after his death and claim to be working in his name.
I want to give a Special mention to Joan of arc, Helen Keller and Mother Teresa. Some AWESOME ladies who have inspired and influenced people throughout history, I did not mean to choose all men, they just happen to be 5 people who have influenced me in some way :)
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