Thank you Tara. I learned of John Paul Jones in Navy bootcamp, but I am sure that the lesson didn't include his ego and self earned isolation. His grandiose view of himself vs the reality of team may have made his final days lonely. Time and History erase some of the tarnish and the details.
The importance of the battle and as President Roosevelt said, the essence of this fighting man have enshrined the overall outcome while diminishing the negative.
No matter how egotistical he may have been after the incident, the deed is recorded in naval annals for its successful daring and audacity. Whether or not it went to his head, it became an added impetus to a huge boost in the support of the war in Europe and thrilled the Americans as it raised hopes for their cause.
You know Tara, one of the (many) disappointing aspects of our culture today is we have lost almost any comprehension of “both and” about historical figures. So many would write off this heroic man in toto because of his character failings. But he was “both and.” We are complex creatures: we grant ourselves that qualification but won’t grant it to others, consigning them to the “ash heap of history.” Thank you for your “both and” perspective. Sorely needed.
Thank you, Tara, for another intricate story of an American hero! I had not heard of the gloating that took him over late in life but he was still a hero!
Thank you Tara. I learned of John Paul Jones in Navy bootcamp, but I am sure that the lesson didn't include his ego and self earned isolation. His grandiose view of himself vs the reality of team may have made his final days lonely. Time and History erase some of the tarnish and the details.
The importance of the battle and as President Roosevelt said, the essence of this fighting man have enshrined the overall outcome while diminishing the negative.
Such a sad commentary on the history of an apt seaman. Ego can get the best of anyone, so beware--pride goes before a fall.
“Pride goeth before DESTRUCTION, and a haughty spirit before a fall.”
Absolutely so!
Thanks Tara..... great read this morning! I love the minutiae of history and the famous people.
All of our Founding Fathers were awesome, including Admiral Jones!
No matter how egotistical he may have been after the incident, the deed is recorded in naval annals for its successful daring and audacity. Whether or not it went to his head, it became an added impetus to a huge boost in the support of the war in Europe and thrilled the Americans as it raised hopes for their cause.
I’ve been to “the Yard” many times his final resting place is very ornate, almost over the top! Sadly his hubris follows/haunts him to this day.
So many twists and turns in our struggle for freedom! WE CAN NOT let it go by the wayside!
You know Tara, one of the (many) disappointing aspects of our culture today is we have lost almost any comprehension of “both and” about historical figures. So many would write off this heroic man in toto because of his character failings. But he was “both and.” We are complex creatures: we grant ourselves that qualification but won’t grant it to others, consigning them to the “ash heap of history.” Thank you for your “both and” perspective. Sorely needed.
Interesting read. I had not heard of his narcissism before.
🇺🇲 ...but he's our flawed hero. 🇺🇸
Learned something today! Thanks, TR!
A very complicated man but as you said, a hero. Thank you.
Thanks for the history lessons
Thank you Tara 😊!
thank you, Tara.
Thank you, Tara, for another intricate story of an American hero! I had not heard of the gloating that took him over late in life but he was still a hero!
👍👍👍