This is an exercise in deciding on role models. Such decisions are never ending because age takes its toll and role models disappear.
Out of the infinite choices two historical role models of the past come to mind. How did people of the time choose? Good question.
Number 1 in time is Genghis Kahn (1162-1227). As the founder of arguably the greatest empire ever - the Mongol Empire - the first of Kahns was a conqueror of no equal in his time. In the process of gathering most or Eurasia into the Empire the powers of force and communication were used without boundary or mercy. Those hesitant to become vassals were simply obliterated. This was enabled by the communication across the landmass of Eurasia using horses, horsemen, and regular stations for changing horses. Genghis Kahn was tolerant of religions so long as the people were cooperative. He himself was not a follower of any particular religion.
Number 2 is Marco Polo (1254-1324). Father Maffeo and uncle Nicclo were merchants. Son Marco was an Italian explorer from Venice who traveled the fabled Silk Road and went all the way to Beijing in 1226 - the then capital of the Mongol Empire with the Great Kahn in charge - Kublai Kahn. Marco Polo made some 24 journeys across Eurasia and became a confidant of Kublai Kahn. We do know that he carried Christian identity and influence.
The Mongol Empire made travel possible by assuring safe routes and ready access to the far flung tribal constituencies of Eurasia. Europe had economic interests all across the vast spaces to the East. The Mongol Empire had penetrated northern Europe as far as Silesia located adjacent to Prussia in what is now Poland. Genghis Kahn made travel possible. Marco Polo used travel to extend influence and cultural identity.
As I ponder these role models hard choices come to mind. Should a person be dedicated to power and domination in whatever form is possible? Should a person be merchant minded and use whatever is provided by society to extend influence, make commerce possible and gather resources?
Actually both perspectives are alive and well in the Internet Globalized society of the 21st Century. I am working on it.
Out of the infinite choices two historical role models of the past come to mind. How did people of the time choose? Good question.
Number 1 in time is Genghis Kahn (1162-1227). As the founder of arguably the greatest empire ever - the Mongol Empire - the first of Kahns was a conqueror of no equal in his time. In the process of gathering most or Eurasia into the Empire the powers of force and communication were used without boundary or mercy. Those hesitant to become vassals were simply obliterated. This was enabled by the communication across the landmass of Eurasia using horses, horsemen, and regular stations for changing horses. Genghis Kahn was tolerant of religions so long as the people were cooperative. He himself was not a follower of any particular religion.
Number 2 is Marco Polo (1254-1324). Father Maffeo and uncle Nicclo were merchants. Son Marco was an Italian explorer from Venice who traveled the fabled Silk Road and went all the way to Beijing in 1226 - the then capital of the Mongol Empire with the Great Kahn in charge - Kublai Kahn. Marco Polo made some 24 journeys across Eurasia and became a confidant of Kublai Kahn. We do know that he carried Christian identity and influence.
The Mongol Empire made travel possible by assuring safe routes and ready access to the far flung tribal constituencies of Eurasia. Europe had economic interests all across the vast spaces to the East. The Mongol Empire had penetrated northern Europe as far as Silesia located adjacent to Prussia in what is now Poland. Genghis Kahn made travel possible. Marco Polo used travel to extend influence and cultural identity.
As I ponder these role models hard choices come to mind. Should a person be dedicated to power and domination in whatever form is possible? Should a person be merchant minded and use whatever is provided by society to extend influence, make commerce possible and gather resources?
Actually both perspectives are alive and well in the Internet Globalized society of the 21st Century. I am working on it.
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