“The great man theory is a 19th-century idea according to which history can be largely explained by the impact of great men, or heroes; highly influential individuals who, due to either their personal charisma, intelligence, wisdom, or political skill used their power in a way that had a decisive historical impact.”
do you believe that when it comes to movements or revolutions it is dependent completely on a great woman or man to act as a catalyst for change, and mobilize others to change or is it the will of the people?
© 2026 – SoulSequel
6 responses to “Great Man Theory”
Through out history, charismatic leaders have had the ability to move and motivate people with their words. This of coarse applies to both men and women of historical significance within the scope of their influence and time period. Yet not all of them were a positive influence on their societies. The one trait they all shared though, was the ability to speak directly to the people. They knew how to manipulate events, some times even causing certain events to occur that bolstered their campaign for power within those societies. They all were well practiced in the art of seduction. Now mind you, the term seduction doesn’t necessarily imply a sexual connotation, although that too has been employed by some.
In ancient Egypt, Cleopatra was said to be sexually seductive and used it to gain favor and power, yet she was rather plain and not at all physically attractive.
Genghis Khan of Mongolia was dyslexic, illiterate, and had a slight speech impediment, yet he rallied his troops and conquered most of Asia and Eastern Europe during his reign of terror.
The list of historical figures is far greater in length than I have the inclination to post here, suffice it to say, history is rife with men (and women) who possessed the ability to use words to impact history in a decisive manner. Some positive and some negative.
I believe the “secret” to being the catalyst for change, is the ability of the great leaders in history to convince the populous that it was the will of the people to bring about whatever change occurred or would occur to the benefit of the society as a whole.
Be it good or bad, change is inevitable…
Not completely, but if a leader stands up and harnesses the frustrations of the people, they can make anything happen. The will of the people can do a lot on their own and the will is totally needed, but if focused by a leader on very particular areas and the leader acting as a megaphone, that is where change will most likely happen. Leaders are also great for morale boosts. People can be energized by them. Makes them fight harder and longer. So, yea, I don’t feel comfortable saying it is completely on a leader, but it most definitely helps and is more likely to happen than just the people.
Movements & Revolutions Die Internally when they become dependent on an individual instead of a united team.
Actually this traces all the way back to Biblical Old Testament pre-History.
Where the “hero” was the one who “left their father’s home” to venture out bravely into the unknown to accept and be tested by the existential realities of existence and learn the proper way to relate/interact with Life.
Smaller populations — and the very nature of oral record-keeping meant that such exemplars were remembered and passed down (Noah, Abraham, Joseph) . . . as well as exemplars of how NOT to do it (Cain, Jacob, Jonah, Saul).
Great men and women still exist, in all sizes, shapes and degrees. Larger populations mean that changes often don’t happen in large enough an arena for History to take note.
But those whom History does take note of . . . are ALWAYS people who are awake, with eyes open, who are brave enough to get the heck out of their slumbering comfort-zone and interact with Life in the same kind of meaningful, noble and intentional way that “heros of old” did.
@griz TRUMP…
@immortal_pirate
Well I was loath to include him in that list but okay.
Cain, Jacob, Jonah, Saul . . . Trump!