How To Pave Your Own Road To Success Following The Example Of Mont Rose College’s Three Wise Men
The Three Wise Men mentioned in the title are William Shakespeare, Abraham Lincoln and Sir Winston Churchill, the patrons of Mont Rose College in London. They were chosen as influential figures who pursued their dreams and thank to own determination – managed to change the course of history. This is exactly the value that Mont Rose believes in and encourages their students to follow. Dream Big – their slogan says – and you will surely be able to achieve your goals and beyond.
Wise Man 1 – William Shakespeare
The unquestionably greatest poet and playwright of all times, William Shakespeare achieved his greatness through theatre. Born in Stratford-upon Avon in 1564, he moved to London to pursue his dream career as an actor, climbing up the ladder from a gopher, a prompter to finally becoming a professional performer. When the London theatres closed down in 1593 due to fast spreading bubonic plague, Shakespeare turned to writing poems and drama.
His works quickly gained popularity among both – the commoners and upper classes. Queen Elisabeth I, a keen promoter of art, was particularly in awe with Shakespeare’s plays. As Lori Stenbach points out: “Shakespeare was a writer with something to say about things people were interested in hearing.“
He is also believed to have influenced the English language more than any other writer in history, coining—or, at the very least, popularizing—terms and phrases that are still in regular use.
Shakespeare died of unknown causes in 1616, leaving a legacy of poems, dramas and most importantly – powerful messages of philosophical nature, that are still, and always will be valid. His works have been translated into most of the world languages and studied all over the world from early stages of education up to universities doctorate levels.
Wise Man 2 – Abraham Lincoln
The 16th President of the United States of America is world known for his two major achievements – ending Civil War, the bloodiest war in American history and successfully implementing the Constitution 13th Amendment to officially abolish slavery.
Born in 1809 in a poor Kentucky family, he was determined to achieve more in life than his family could afford. Strongly believing that “The best way to predict your future is to create it” he educated himself to fulfil his ambitions of becoming a lawyer. He did not stop there and finally aimed for the highest position in the country, which he finally gained in 1861. He died assassinated in 1865.
Abraham Lincoln’s life is a perfect example perseverance and determination. The summary of his outstanding life achievements was written by David Mikkelson (2000): “Born into poverty, Lincoln was faced with defeat throughout his life. He lost eight elections, twice failed in business and suffered a nervous breakdown. He could have quit many times – but he didn’t and because he didn’t quit, he became one of the greatest presidents in the history of our country. Lincoln was a champion and he never gave up.”
Wise Man 3 – Winston Churchill
A British politician, army officer, and writer, Winston Churchill held the position of the British Prime Minister twice, between 1940 and 1945, and again from 1951 to 1955. His greatest political achievement was to lead the country to the victory in the Second World War, thanks to his military and leadership skills, as well as refusal to give in, even when things were going badly. His determination of not to surrender to the Nazis was a great inspiration for the society and encouraged them to persevere through the difficult times of the war.
His great achievements were recognised by the Queen Elisabeth II and in 1955 he was knighted, and officially became Sir Winston Churchill. Although retired, he remained a Member of Parliament until 1964, the year before he died of stroke.
Churchill recipe for success, expressed by his famous statement: “Success consists of going from failure to failure without loss of enthusiasm.” came from his own struggle with mental and physical health problems. Despite his chronic depression and anxiety, he persevered, following his life motto: “Success is not final, failure is not fatal: it is the courage to continue that counts.” – he famously said.
The Three Wise Men of Mont Rose College are examples of extraordinary people who achieved greatness through strong belief that determination and perseverance are the keys to success, despite the obstacles and failures. Aiming high, and working towards your goal with the positive attitude that you achieve the unachievable. Let’s remember what Sir Winston Churchill said: “A pessimist sees difficulty in every opportunity. An optimist sees opportunity in every difficulty”. Optimists are the ones who win.