Speak Softly, And Carry A Big Idea

I studied history in the Dark Ages, B.C. (Before Computers). Most of those semesters began with Neanderthals, a group who didnt write much down because nobody had invented pencils. By spring, wed advance to the modern era, which meant about . I didnt pay much attention then, but I wish I had. Because we can still learn from historical figures, no matter where they are today. Like, for instance: SOCRATES This Greek philosopher believed that wisdom and knowledge built character. The more a person knew, the less likely hed make a bad decision. Socrates continually questioned his countrymen about their beliefs, suggesting they base ideas not on opinion, but on knowledge. The great mans relentless search for truth riled some officials, who sentenced him to death by drinking hemlock.His last question, Is this stuff poison? was sadly answered yep. The lesson: To find verifiable facts, one must question both herself and her research sources. If the research isnt creditable, it can create problems. SOPHOCLES This author created plays that usually centered on a single heroic character who --in order to help humankind --chose an unpopular course of action. Sophocles introduces us to the viability of contrarian thinking, and the value of constructing a story around a hero. The lesson: Building research papers around () a single person or () a contrarian idea can yield interesting and sometimes spectacular results. KNIGHTS OF THE MIDDLE AGES Do not confuse this with middle-aged knights, because back then people rarely survived past about . And thats only if they worked out at a health club, and avoided folks with the plague. But crusading knights -- who often encountered highway robbers-- created a unique currency we still use today. They simply engraved their rings with their coats-of-arms. Merchants kept a master list of these insignias, and billed them accordingly. Those enterprising merchants got paid quickly, too. Probably by over-knight mail. The lesson: Historys loaded with fascinating facts, and even trivial details can be turned into captivating reports. LEONARDO DE VINCI Some claim this Renaissance figure was the brightest human who ever lived. Unfortunately, we cannot prove this, because his high school did not give college entrance tests. Leonardo excelled in more fields than a hyperactive farmer. He painted...he sculpted...he studied astronomy and anatomy. Hes often credited with drawing the first bicycle, the first airplane, and the first helicopter. Were he still alive today, hed likely have more frequent-flyer miles than anybody. And hed probably ace so many AP tests hed begin college as a professor. The lesson: Whenever Leonardo had an inspiration, hed write it down in a notebook. You can do the same, and your next idea could change the world. BENJAMIN FRANKLIN This famous American preferred succinct writing, and his epigrams became part of our cultural heritage. Ben warned He that speaks much is much mistaken, and Here comes the orator, with his flood of words and his drop of reason. Apprenticed as a printers helper, Franklin studied the handbills and circulars his shop printed. When newsletters and newspapers began in the colonies, Franklin would submit anonymous letters or witty sayings under a pseudonym. Each time he saw his work in print, he became more energized. And his creation of Poor Richards Almanac became a best seller in the colonies. What attracted readers to him?

He wrote simply Franklin knew his audience, and focused on basic words and ideas. He wrote briefly The Almanac emphasizes frugality, humility, and brevity. Silence is not always a sign of wisdom, but babbling is ever a mark of folly, Franklin said. He wrote timelessly. Instead of addressing contemporary issues, Franklin spoke more about human traits, like this one on picking friends: He that lies down with dogs shall rise up with fleas. He spoke of moral truths: Glass, china, and reputation are easily cracked and never well mended. He used humor.

The lesson: Franklins sayings are among the most quoted in history. From Ben, we learn that sometimes the shortest phrases make the longest impressions.