2010's Most Admired Men and Women
The way I see it, there are two possible interpretations of Gallup’s 2010 lists of the men and women most admired by Americans.
The cynic’s interpretation: A list including Barack Obama, George W. Bush, Bill Clinton, and Jimmy Carter as the most admired men is evidence that Americans are imbeciles who are prone to the servile temptation, admire ruthless power wielders, and rejoice in the expansion of government.
The idealist’s interpretation: A list including George W. Bush, Nelson Mandela, Pope Benedict XVI, Rev. Billy Graham, and the Dalai Lama testifies to the value that Americans place on the qualities of humility, religiosity, and perseverance in the face of adversity.
The only thing that I can say for certain is that Ricochet’s top 10 most admired men and women lists would drastically differ from Gallup’s. Shall we give it a go?
Name one man and one woman that you have heard or read about, living today in any part of the world, that you admire most.
My own selections: Peter Robinson and Margaret Thatcher
(Yes, I know -- naming Peter may be a tacky, self-referential, and seemingly suck-up thing to do, but my selection stands.)
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Comments:
Sep '10
Re: 2010's Most Admired Men and Women
Call me a cynic. Gallup's list just tells me that Americans are imbeciles.
But I'm glad to some of the more enlightened choices by Ricochet readers. Let me add to the list: John Templeton - truly a giant of philanthropy. And an unrepentant capitalist, as well.
Nov '10
Re: 2010's Most Admired Men and Women
Among women, I have to say Margaret Thatcher, although Ayaan Hirsi Ali is also a great suggestion.
Among men, I want to nominate someone a bit less well known than most of the other suggestions: Archbishop Emanuel Kolini of Rwanda, who has helped lead Rwanda out of the devastating effects of the 1994 genocide. He is important in the US because he joined with Archbishop Tay of Singapore in starting the Anglican Mission in America, an orthodox Anglican alternative to the Episcopal church. He did this in response to what he saw as a "spiritual genocide" in the US, parallel in some ways to the genocide that had occurred in his native Rwanda.
Incidentally, unlike many Anglican leaders who only reacted to the decline of the American Episcopal church after an openly gay bishop had been consecrated, thus making it look like the conflict was about homosexuality, Archbishops Kolini and Tay acted in response to a generalized theological decline--and Archbishop Kolini has taken a lot of heat for that.
Jun '10
Re: 2010's Most Admired Men and Women
katievs
David Pryce-Jones might be added to that good list. · Dec 28 at 9:52pm
No argument from me. Pryce-Jones is another great Brit.
Dec '10
Re: 2010's Most Admired Men and Women
Christopher Hitchens & Patti Smith.
Hitch, for being interesting, smart, clear & tough, whether having a beer, getting water-boarded, or dying of cancer.
Loved Patti's music from Horses on, but reading Just Kids (2010) showed me how deep being an artist goes.
Honorable Mention to Sam Harris for finishing his dissertation!
May '10
Re: 2010's Most Admired Men and Women
Ah, Andrea, ya loveable catsuited assassin. I support the Queen's nom for two reasons. One, she the flippin Queen, so nuff said. But the other neatly elides with the nomination of Emma Watson, cubed.
She was born to a glamorous yet not powerful position, and emerged from all that flattery as an inherently decent person. That takes some serious decency.
One accomplishment for your consideration: she dissed Obama after he presented her with an IPod of his own speeches. But did it with class and style, so's you'd almost not notice it. Second accomplishment: Steyn is in love with her.
A PS to clarify, 'er Majesty dissed Obama when it was considered a horrid thing to do. Sure, now all European leaders do it, but she broke the ice. I admire her. Used her perch well. Certainly top-ten worthy, and never tries to force us into healthy eating.
Edited on December 30, 2010 at 3:13pmAug '10
Re: 2010's Most Admired Men and Women
Tom Brady
Nov '10
Re: 2010's Most Admired Men and Women
Harry Jaffa. Margaret Thatcher.