[Schrodinger's Cat]

Originally Posted by tw

One must find and expose a Monica Lewinsky before the person might obtain martyrdom status so that the man does not become a martyr. Did Kennedy do Marilyn Monroe? How many affairs would Martin have conducted for his reputation is sullied? That is not to say only sexual affairs alone destroy a reputation. It says, as these people live longer, then they tend to have less martyrdom appeal.

We only have the tapes of King. His "I have a dream" speech actually did not have the power then that is does today. In part, because only a second half of that speech is so stunning. Video tends to highlight only selective passages.

MLK is indeed a greater man today than he was in real life. But back then we never really understood his underlying principles. It was more difficult to see the one great tree in a forest.

I think there is some intrinsic human need to create something to aspire to. Perhaps those who die too young and too soon are actually doing the rest of us a service. We are spared seeing their "feet of clay" and see, instead, the greater good which they were seeking to achieve.