【big fish】3月24日Issue48-by jjooyy

jjooyyUID: 2704028

TOPIC: ISSUE48 - "The study of history places too much emphasis on individuals. The most significant events and trends in history were made possible not by the famous few, but by groups of people whose identities have long been forgotten."
WORDS: 414          TIME: 00:45:00          DATE: 2010/3/24 21:22:45

Generally, most historic events an trend are made possible by the contribution of both the masses and the famous few, and they are equally important. However, in some specific fields, the famous few play a vitally significant role in the development.

First of all, the common people in society are an indispensible part of the history. They build up most part of society, fulfill goals leaders set, attempt to achieve his or her own object under other's command. Without them, no great leaders could accomplish their tasks, and little great progress would truly advance society. For instance, without every single soldier devotes his life to his country, the victory of a battle will never happen, even if the general has a best strategy. Without workers manufacturing and assembling gear, producing any complete cars is impossible, even if the design is excellent. Without ordinary people follow the convention and tradition, various cultures would hardly exist. Obviously, it is ordinary people's efforts that enforce society function normally and move forward.

On the other hand, there is no denying that the influence of some historic celebrities is incredible. They guide the public to the right direction and make people do what they ought to do. Their impact on society and history is not only what they did, but also what they inspired and introduced others to do. Franklin D. Roosevelt is one typical illustration. He became 32nd president of America when the United States was suffering from the Great Depression. His innovative program, which later is called the New Deal, helped people counteracted the effect of the depression. Later, he also led Americans fought in World War II wisely and bravely. Undoubtedly, Roosevelt's efforts of inspiring America, as well as leading them, significantly contributed to the prospect of America after the war. Therefore, sometimes heroes in history are worth being studied because their dispensable influence on history, in comparison with the influence of ordinary ones.

Except for those cases, there do exist situations, such as liberal at arts and natural sciences, some famous ones in history considerably outweigh others. Those fields need theories, concepts and styles that significant ones formulate and advance. Outstanding scientists and artists make outbreaks, and therefore push the whole field to where no one can reach for a time. Sir Isaac Newton, for instance, formulated the laws of universal gravity and motions, which is the foundation of classic mechanics. His contribution to physics won him the honor of one of the greatest scientists in history. Until now, the theories that he set has still been the fundamental concepts for one to enter the world of physics. Preeminent scientists shape new theories, and excellent artists create novel styles. What they present open a door to human, facilitating others to follow their tracks and discover and form their new ideas based on their achievement. Apparently, those famous few have done far much more than others, even their peer for history and for society, and that makes them need more stress.

Overall, in general, the masses and heroes in history are equally important in pushing society moving forward, while in the realm like arts and natural sciences, more emphasis should be placed on the distinctive scientists and artists.