Heroes?
I recently applied for a scholarship where I had to answer the following question: ” Who are your heroes and why? Identify someone you know personally that you have looked up to and used as a role model. Also, identify a person who is widely known by the general public that you particularly admire and have used as a role model. Briefly explain what you admire about each of these two people and why. (Maximum of 300 words total.)”
The someone-you-know-personally choice was pretty easy. I picked my dad. It had to be either a family member or a teacher. While I’ve had some amazing teachers in my day, my dad is a pretty amazing guy in an understated sort of way.
But what about a hero that is known to the general public. Do you choose a civil rights leader like Ghandi, Dr. Martin Luther King Jr., Charlayne Hunter-Gault? What about a scientist like Einstein who’s work has fundamentally changed how we understand our world? An inspiring world leader like John F. Kennedy?
In the end I choose Warren Buffett. Yes, I can see the perplexed looks on your faces as I type, but here’s what I wrote:
Warren Buffett’s uncanny grasp of business and investment has made him the world’s second-richest man, but Mr. Buffett is an unusual billionaire. Famously frugal, he lives in the same house in Omaha, Nebraska that he purchased for $31,500 in 1958. Eschewing extravagant yachts or enormous mansions, Mr. Buffett has pledged the vast majority of his fortune to charity upon his death. His $30 billon donation to the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation stands as the largest charitable gift in history and effectively doubled the philanthropic organization’s funds. Mr. Buffett could have used his wealth to start a new American dynasty, but he chose to give his fortune away for the betterment of the entire world. In a society where material wealth is often flaunted as a symbol of achievement, Mr. Buffett’s modesty and generosity are truly inspiring.
Who would you pick?
March 30, 2008 at 10:27 pm
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