Horace tells Frank, “Every great man is as hated as he is loved” (p.141). What did you think of this statement? Do you agree with him? Are there exceptions that come to mind?
No, since great men are often praised for their accomplishments as well as respected not hated. Examples of this would be in the history of our country such as Benjamin Franklin and his contributions. George Washington, Thomas Jefferson to name a few. History has been kind to them. I consider Obama a great man and honor his role as president. Opinion is in the “mind of the beholder”, it seems, since some people don’t like him.
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I agree with this statement and of course I think of men and women in politics.
Well I think that’s Horace’s justification for his meanness. I think people can be loved and maybe disliked for some aspects of their personalities but hate is a harsh either or term. No one is perfect but taken in the whole came be lovable.
Horace believes the term “great” simply means very powerful, so his statement about great would certainly apply. But his understanding of “great” really does mean power. It doesn’t include those who are truly benevolent and more interested in the well being of others than him/herself. These are great people. People like the Dalai Lama or Sister Theresa, even someone like Billy Graham or one of the major rabbis, are considered great, and great refers to their dedication to others. Our reverence for the powerful does little to advance human goodness. (Sorry for the tirade.)
I think that for the most part, great men are recognized, appreciated, and often loved. Unfortunately, as their lives and greatness unfold, they can also be hated. The hate usually comes from those who oppose what the acts of greatness represent, or from jealousy, or simply from a framework of delusional thinking that can fabricate untrue stories, see fault where there is none, or influence others to fall into their own conspiracy theories. Our society is currently ridden with these problems. We rely on history to prove the audacity and worthiness of a person and situation. We also rely on history being truthful and not being “altered” as is also occurring as we exchange thoughts.
Actually, I think this is MOST true of great women. Truly great men are admired and lauded. Even some truly evil and repugnant white men are lionized and worshipped. I think Horace was making excuses and trying to deflect and elevate himself. He was NOT a great man, and he was disliked because of his horrible behavior. Calling yourself a “great” man, does not make it so.