I'm reminded of the chapter 'The Warren Harding Error: Why We Fall For Tall,Dark, and Handsome Men' from Malcom Gladwell's Blink.It is the true story (oxymoron alert!) of Warren Harding ,a simple man destined to for greatness whether deserving or not.
In the words of journalist Mark Sullivan,
"Harding was worth looking at. He was at the time about 35 years old. His head, features, shoulders and torso had a size that attracted attention; their proportions to each other made an effect which in any male at any place would justify more than the term handsome�in later years, when he came to be known beyond his local world, the word �Roman?was occasionally used in descriptions of him.
As he stepped down from the stand, his legs bore out the striking and agreeable proportions of his body; and his lightness on his feet, his erectness, his easy bearing, added to the impression of physical grace and virility. His suppleness, combined with his bigness of frame, and his large, wide-set rather glowing eyes,heavy black hair, and markedly bronze complexion gave him some of the handsomeness of an Indian.(note to self...Indians are considered handsome, though unclear whether they meant Indians or red indians)
"Harding was worth looking at. He was at the time about 35 years old. His head, features, shoulders and torso had a size that attracted attention; their proportions to each other made an effect which in any male at any place would justify more than the term handsome�in later years, when he came to be known beyond his local world, the word �Roman?was occasionally used in descriptions of him.
As he stepped down from the stand, his legs bore out the striking and agreeable proportions of his body; and his lightness on his feet, his erectness, his easy bearing, added to the impression of physical grace and virility. His suppleness, combined with his bigness of frame, and his large, wide-set rather glowing eyes,heavy black hair, and markedly bronze complexion gave him some of the handsomeness of an Indian.(note to self...Indians are considered handsome, though unclear whether they meant Indians or red indians)
His courtesy as he surrendered his seat to the other customer suggested genuine friendliness toward all
mankind. His voice was noticeably resonant, masculine, warm. His pleasure in the attentions of the
bootblack�s whisk reflected a consciousness about clothes unusual in a small-town man. His manner as
he bestowed a tip suggested generous good-nature, a wish to give pleasure, based on physical well-being
and sincere kindliness of heart"
The common thought on everyone's mind was "Wouldn�t that man make a great President?"
So Senator Harding became candidate Harding, and later, after a campaign conducted from his front porch in Marion, Ohio, candidate Harding became President Harding.
Unfortunately most historians agree that he was one of the worst presidents in American history.
I want you to remember this true story (oxymoron alert!) whenever you come to me with your problems and expect miracles.
I'm not half as smart as I look.
Worse of all,I'm not even half as handsome as I look.
--
<a href="http://keshavarao2001.multiply.com/r/b"><img border=0 src="http://images.keshavarao2001.multiply.com/badge/U2FsdGVkX1.NuqxbSET2R522DPip.n57Mls71vCNdw.sXCF3tkW5q8NtXUtS8DpIR.019fVoNAzVlR6WQ7A,KBhcFuTxlQsD/badge.gif"></a>
No comments:
Post a Comment