This March found me reminiscing about my father, who passed
away a decade ago. We had spent the day before his demise together, talking and
generally reflecting on life.
From this conversation, or series of conversations, I learnt
a lot of things about life but most importantly that a man is made of sterner
stuff than an outward appearance of “being a man”. There should always be
something that defines the individual, an X factor, which cannot be taken away
from him, no matter the circumstance. Here are three men who have inspired my
philosophical take on this aspect.
George
He had been in the hospital for a week following surgery.
For some reason, he was calm and talked with the confidence of man who had run
the race and fought the good fight. He was truly contented with the lemonade he
made with the lemons life threw at him. Now on the hospital bed, he knew he was
leaving this place in a pine box. So, he called his wife and children to say
goodbye. He left them with a sealed envelope that contained a letter that would
be read at his funeral instead of the speeches. Human beings fear death but
George
had conquered the fear of death.
Leonardo
Leonardo is a very famous movie actor. He has been the star
of many great films that got him several nominations for the top prize—an
Oscar. However, when it seemed like he had bagged it with a stellar performance
in a big budget production of the year (What’s Eating Gilbert Grape? Blood
Diamond, The Aviator, The Wolf of Wall Street, among others), the accolade went
to someone else. Oh, imagine the frustration of his fans! But what about him?
Instead, he turns in an even better performance in the next movie. It was only
a matter of time before he was recognised for The Revenant. And what does he do
or rather say in his speech at the awards? He highlights climate change instead
of gloating how he had finally made it. This is a man who has not let fame get
in the way of what he believes in or for disappointment to make him bitter.
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| Besigye holds a baby during a procession on the 2016 campaigns |
Warren
Warren cannot be compared to Mandela or Gandhi but his
struggle has ignited a movement for change. The people are weary of the status
quo and identify with his courage and determination to make things better. Four
times he has offered himself for election to the high office, but things have
not gone his way. He has been subjected to all kinds of brutality, humiliation
and persecution. Often times, he may feel he can’t breathe but the fresh air of
imminent freedom keeps hope alive. This is a man who has inspired and will
continue to inspire very many. I am confident that in the future, my sons will
say, “Indeed, he was truly a great man.”
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