Thread: Psychology Experiment #1

Howdy, all. In the interests of getting to know one another better, I've decided to post up two questions (this is the first) that each of us can choose to answer (or not) so that everyone else can get to know us better. Throughout my life, I've found that I can learn quite a lot about a person if they give me honest answers to these two questions. I will put my answers up a bit later.

The question for this thread is:

Who would you consider your top three role models to be? These people do not have to be real, they can be fictional. (example, a D&D guy I knew listed Gandalf from LotR as a role model.) By role model, I mean someone that has qualities you would like to see in yourself, please list these qualities.

EXAMPLE FROM OTHER PEOPLE I HAVE SPOKEN TO:

1. Odysseus (of Greek legends) because he is resourceful
2. MLK Jr. because of his visionary understanding
3. George Washington because of his honesty


THIS IS NOT MINE, THIS IS ONLY A SAMPLE

1. Jesus for his compassion. The ability to love everyone regardless.
2. Semmelweiss for his courage. He had all his doctors wash their hands before delivering babies. He reduced mortality by a factor of ten. He was laughed out of the business and ended up in an insane asylum. He knew what he was doing was right, and didn't let small minded people stop him. Later, he was considered a "Father of Microbiology."
3. Abe Lincoln. He was Moses for the slaves, leading them out of Egypt. Very unpopular for many of his countrymen, but he finally did what so many knew was right and were scared to act.

Originally Posted by jockeys

THIS IS NOT MINE, THIS IS ONLY A SAMPLE

Since you are asking us to expose ourselves to you, it would be no more than fair that you show us what your answers would be.

ah, now I've had my morning coffee and my head is less fuzzy, so I'll chime in. (besides, with a certain Belgian calling me out, what choice do I have? )

1. John Galt (from Atlas Shrugged) - for his intelligence, his dedication, and his vast understanding of human behavior
2. Anton LaVey - for his independence and understanding of why people think the way they do
3. tie between Gordon Gekko and Tyler Durden, both for their ingenuity and ability to think outside the box, along with their intimate knowledge of self.

Alright, Bruno, my turn to call YOU out

1. Mohandas K. Gandhi because he forced the British out of India using non-violent means.



2. Professor Norman Finkelstein for the courage he has demonstrated in risking his career by standing up and speaking the truth in the face of the Israel lobby.



3. The Unknown Rebel who tried to stop the tanks in Tianamen Square.

Tit for tat.

I would not exactly call them role models, because I don't actively try to emulate anyone.
But if I would have to name 3 people that I look up to very much, I would say

1) Albert Einstein. He taught us to leave behind 'common sense' when trying to make sense of the universe. He was the first one to break with classical ideas about physics. Or at least the first one to gain notoriety and fame.
2) Sun Tzu he was a genius in his field, and knew how to connect his art to the underlying fundamentals of life (as outlined in his own legacy: the art of war).
Anyone who thinks that large inter-corp project meetings are anything but bloodless battles is due for a harsh lesson, and could do well with reading the aforementioned books.
3) Joan of Arc. From all accounts I've read so far, she was a remarkable woman with courage, intelligence and enormous fortitude. To me she is the incarnation of willpower and faith.

There are others of course, and I could say something corny like 'my father' and it would actually be true. But these have always captured my attention.

Here are mine:

My Grandfather-
A 1st Marine Division Raider Battalion member (Edson's Raiders). Everyday he thanked God for his hands which he used to work wood, hunt deer, fish for trout, raise live stock and crops, build a fire with... His church was the outdoors (I quote "..whats right for me isn't right for everyone, But me and My God don't need a middle man..." and "you know what I say when I look up at a tree like that? I say thank God for that tree...") He was also married to the same woman for 63 years.

Walter Gropius-
The Father of Industrial Design. This is the guy that drew everyones attention to the fact that there was a box out of which to think.

Third is a tie

Douglas Spaulding-
The main character of Ray Bradbury's Dandelion Wine. He is naturally curious and thoughtful and in possession of a sense of wonderment about life.

Atticus Finch-
From Harper Lee's To Kill a Mockingbird. He is just and rightous for the sake of doing what is right and willing to stand for his beliefs against great odds. He is also tolerant.

-Belgian triathlete Marc Herremans, who competed in the 2001 Hawai Ironman, got paralysed after a training accident in 2002, and finished the Ironman the next year in a wheelchair. -> for his persistance;

-Frederik Thordendal, leadguitarplayer for the Swedish band Meshuggah -> for being the musical genious he is;

-Johnny Cash - for taking some of the most random subjects and turn them into great songs without losing touch with the everyday life.

1. Socrates - for living a just life, not allowing himself to be corrupted by wealth, power, honor, etc.
2. Jesus - No explanation needed.
3. Moses - No explanation needed.