The men and women in history who had the greatest influence are often those that caught a “cultural wave” at just the right time. There are probably a hundred others just as capable, but the world has never heard of them…
It is ironic, but their timing was mostly accidental. The same person, under different circumstances, might have been obscured in the grind of the ordinary.
This observation is not meant to impugn these historic leaders. Even catching the wave, riding it well, and maximizing its force deserves enormous respect. But I fear that many today underestimate the importance of the wave and the chaotic, seemingly randomness of perfect timing.
