Getting to Know Ed: Dinner with Legends - The Fascinating Appeal of Historical Figures

History is a treasure trove of fascinating characters, each with their own unique blend of brilliance, complexity, and charm. 

If you could have dinner with any historical figure, who would you choose? It's a thought-provoking question that often sparks vivid imaginations and deep curiosity. For me, the choice would be a tough one, but I would start with two figures: St. Thomas Aquinas and Napoleon Bonaparte.

St. Thomas Aquinas: A Mind for the Ages

Dinner with St. Thomas Aquinas, the towering philosopher and theologian of the 13th century, would undoubtedly be an intellectual feast. Aquinas was one of those rare minds that only come around once in a millennium—his works still shape Western philosophy and theology to this day. Imagine sitting across from a man who seamlessly blended faith with reason, a philosopher who had a profound understanding of Aristotle and Christian doctrine alike.

What I find most compelling about Aquinas is his capacity for synthesis. Aquinas didn’t merely accept ideas at face value; he engaged with them, dissected them, and reassembled them into something new. His Summa Theologica, a monumental work that continues to be studied today, represents a comprehensive exploration of existence, ethics, and the nature of God. I would love to be a fly on the wall as he tackles some of life’s greatest questions.

But the real appeal of dinner with Aquinas lies in the opportunity to witness firsthand how such a mind works. Would he have the same calm, methodical demeanor that his writings suggest? Would I be able to understand the depth of his thought, or would I find myself lost in his complex web of reasoning? The mere thought of a conversation about the nature of the universe, the problem of evil, or the relationship between faith and reason would be enough to make this a once-in-a-lifetime experience.

Napoleon Bonaparte: The Charisma of a Conqueror

On the other hand, if I could have dinner with Napoleon Bonaparte, the French military genius and emperor, I would be drawn to understanding the man behind the legend. Napoleon's life is a tapestry of military brilliance, strategic maneuvering, and political upheaval. His rise from humble origins to become one of the most powerful men in Europe is one of history’s most captivating stories.

But what truly intrigues me about Napoleon is the sheer magnetism he exuded. How did a man of such small stature manage to command such respect and loyalty from his troops? What was it about him that made people so fiercely devoted to his cause, despite the immense odds stacked against him? Was it his charisma, his unshakable self-belief, or something else entirely?

Napoleon’s military campaigns were a spectacle of strategy, but it was his personal allure that made him one of history’s most remarkable figures. At dinner, I would want to probe beyond the battlefield victories and delve into his personality. What did he think about power? What were his dreams, his insecurities? Was he a man driven solely by ambition, or was there a deeper, more complex emotional current at play?

Living the Legend: Action with Alexander the Great or Teddy Roosevelt

While dinner with Aquinas and Napoleon would undoubtedly offer intellectual and historical insights, there’s something particularly alluring about stepping into the world of other historical figures who lived larger-than-life experiences. For me, these figures would be Alexander the Great and Theodore Roosevelt.

Alexander the Great: Few legends are as grand as Alexander’s. His conquests stretched from Greece to Egypt, Persia, and India, and his legacy as one of history's greatest military commanders is almost mythological. But there’s a difference between reading about his exploits in history books and experiencing them firsthand. Imagine standing alongside Alexander as he charges into battle, witnessing firsthand his charisma, his unyielding drive to conquer, and his ability to inspire his men.

Many of the stories surrounding Alexander are steeped in legend—did he really cut the Gordian knot with a single stroke? Did he experience moments of true vulnerability or doubt, or was he an unshakable force of nature from start to finish? These are questions only someone who could witness Alexander in action could answer. Though I may not survive the campaign, the thought of being part of history as it unfolds, watching a legend in action, would be an unparalleled experience.

Theodore Roosevelt: On the other hand, if I were to accompany Theodore Roosevelt, it wouldn’t be on a battlefield but on a hunt or safari. Roosevelt’s zest for life was contagious, and his love for the great outdoors was legendary. As a naturalist, explorer, and president, Roosevelt embodied a spirit of adventure and determination. His adventures, from leading the Rough Riders in the Spanish-American War to embarking on dangerous expeditions in the Amazon rainforest, reflect a man who lived life at full throttle.

To be in the wild with Roosevelt would mean more than just a hunt—it would be about absorbing his dogged determination, his fearless approach to both life and politics, and his deep reverence for nature. Roosevelt was not just a man of words but of action, and his insatiable curiosity for the natural world made him one of the most dynamic figures in American history. While I may not survive an Amazonian expedition with him, I can’t think of a more thrilling way to go than alongside someone who so passionately embraced life.

Conclusion: The Appeal of Action and Thought

Ultimately, when it comes to historical figures, the allure isn’t just in their words or their written legacy but in their actions—their ability to shape the world, take risks, and live life at its fullest. While dining with the great philosophers and strategists like St. Thomas Aquinas and Napoleon Bonaparte would offer profound insights into the human experience, the real excitement would lie in experiencing history firsthand. Whether marching with Alexander the Great or venturing into the wild with Theodore Roosevelt, the opportunity to engage with these legends in action would offer a perspective on history that is as immersive as it is inspiring.

After all, history is not just about the people who shaped it, but about the experiences that bring their stories to life.

If you could have dinner with any historical figure, who would you choose?