In no particular order, my list of famous, infamous and quite unknown people who inspire through a mix of courage, integrity, intelligence, wit, and/or achievement:
| Kurt Vonnegut |
Slaughterhouse Five is one of the best books written in the 20th century -- extraordinary writing, great humor, heart-wrenching tragedy. |
Gaius Julius Caesar |
For more detailed reading, I recommend The Twelve Caesars by 1st century biographer Suetonius, as well as Colleen McCullough's fabulous series of meticulously researched historical fiction about Rome, comprising The First Man in Rome, The Grass Crown, Fortune's Favorites, Caesar's Women, Caesar, and The October Horse. |
Dr. Mary Walker |
U.S. Civil War surgeon and first woman awarded a Congressional Medal of Honor (awarded in 1865, revoked in 1917, and reinstated in 1977). See also this link. |
T.S. Eliot |
See my favorite poem: The Love Song of J. Alfred Prufrock) |
Theodore Roethke |
See my second favorite poem: The Waking |
Andrew Marvel |
See also To His Coy Mistress -- Lord Byron had nothing over this guy! |
