Unsung Heroines: Recognising the Contributions of Women in the Lives of (some great, some less so!) men
Greetings! Bonjour! 您好!
I am Gareth 王, and I am thrilled to welcome you to this edition of the newsletter, where I share my innermost thoughts about the unsung heroines of our world.
In this post, we answer key questions on how to appreciate the women in our lives, drawing lessons from the historic legacy of Lenin, Marx, Roald Dahl, and many others who were reliant on the support of the women that empowered them. We discuss how to spot, appreciate, and give respect to these hidden heroines, and emphasize the importance of recognizing the contributions of the women around us.
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As we celebrate International Women’s Day & Women's History Month, it's important to take a moment to appreciate the women in our lives. Women have played a crucial role in shaping our world, whether it be in politics, science, literature, or any other field. Even great political philosophers like Lenin and Karl Marx were reliant on the women in their lives. In this post, we'll explore the importance of appreciating women and the lessons we can learn from some of history's most notable figures.
Lenin and Marx: Lessons in Appreciating Heroine behind the men
Lenin and Marx are two of the most influential political philosophers in history. They both espoused revolutionary ideologies that sought to reshape the world. However, both men were reliant on the women in their lives.
Lenin was famously involved with Inessa Armand, a Russian socialist and feminist. Armand was a key figure in the Russian Revolution, and she played a significant role in shaping Lenin's political views. In addition to her political contributions, Armand was also a confidante and emotional support for Lenin. Without her, it's possible that Lenin may not have been able to accomplish all that he did.
Marx, on the other hand, was reliant on both his wife, Jenny Marx, and Friedrich Engels. Jenny was instrumental in organising meetings, editing and publishing Marx's works, and she also provided emotional support during his bouts of depression. Jenny provided financial support for Marx (who squandered his inheritance on drinks/smokes & inciting rebellion in Belgium). She supported him throughout his life using her own inheritance, but the family lived rather poorly (on top of Engels, despite Marx secretly fathered Freddy Marx with housekeeper whom Jenny paid for!). Without the support of these women, it's possible that Marx may not have been able to continue his work.
The lessons here are clear: even the most influential men in history relied on the support and contributions of the women in their lives. It's important to recognize and appreciate the role that women play in shaping our world. (more women heroes below:)
Examples of Great Women Supporting Men
It's not just political philosophers who rely on the support of women. Many famous sports personalities and billionaires have been empowered by the women in their lives.
One notable example is Roald Dahl, the beloved children's author. Dahl's wife, Patricia Neal, was a successful actress in her own right, but she gave up her career to support her husband's writing. Despite being bullied and belittled by Dahl, Neal remained devoted to him, and her support was instrumental in his success.
Another example is basketball legend Michael Jordan. Jordan's mother, Deloris Jordan, played a significant role in his success. She inspired Michael to persevere, despite his initial doubts. When he didn't make the varsity team and was about to quit, she urged him to work hard during the summer, instilling a strong work ethic that helped him become one of the greatest basketball players ever. Well she also nudged him to visit Nike (as he preferred Adidas, rest as they say, is history! must watch 'Last dance' on netflix, 5th episode:
Finally, there's billionaire businessman Warren Buffett. Buffett's first wife, Susan T Buffett, was instrumental in his early success. She supported him financially when he was just starting out, and she also encouraged him to pursue his passion for investing, as warren mentioned in his own words, "I was in a mess before she met me", "She put me together", "changed my life"
If I were to be interviewed, I would share the same sentiments, not towards Susan but my own "love of my life", always gorgeous, loving and tolerant wife.
Here are some key actionable steps to spot, appreciate, and give respect to the hidden heroines in our lives:
- Recognise their contributions: Take the time to acknowledge and appreciate the efforts and contributions of the women that helps you at home and at work.
- Listen to their perspectives: Women have unique perspectives and experiences that can enrich our understanding of the world. Take the time to listen to their opinions and perspectives.
- Offer support in return: Show your appreciation by offering support in return. Whether it's emotional support or assistance with daily tasks, let them know you are there for them.
- Value their presence: Don't take the women in your life for granted. Value their presence and the positive impact they have on your life.
- Respect their boundaries: Respect their boundaries and autonomy. Allow them to make their own decisions and choices.
- Celebrate their achievements: Celebrate the achievements of the women in your life. Whether it's a promotion at work or a personal accomplishment, show your support and recognition.
- Educate yourself: Educate yourself on the struggles and challenges faced by women in society. This will help you to better understand and appreciate their contributions.
By following these steps, we can show our appreciation and respect for the hidden heroines in our lives. Let us learn from the experiences of great men like Lenin, Marx, and Roald Dahl, who were reliant on the support of the women in their world, and strive to recognise and appreciate the contributions of these unsung heroines.
I am continuously learning and striving to apply these lessons in my interactions with my mother, wife, daughters, and other women in my life. While I know there is still much to be done, I am willing to acknowledge my shortcomings and work towards being a better supporter of the women around me.
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warmest regards,
Gareth 王