"The greatest human being who ever lived" has died.

Discussion in 'Miscellaneous' started by What's his face, Sep 19, 2009.

  1. What's his face

    What's his face Rear Admiral Rear Admiral

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    And yet most of us, I bet, have never even heard of him.

    Norman Borlaug, whose discoveries in agriculture saved hundreds of millions in the third world from starvation, has died. He was 95.

    The article I linked to above makes a very good point:

     
  2. TheLonelySquire

    TheLonelySquire Vice Admiral

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    RIP, sir. An unbelievable contribution to society.
     
  3. Deranged Nasat

    Deranged Nasat Vice Admiral Admiral

    A long life, well spent :). Let people bemoan the loss of Michael Jackson all they want. Great people die without that spectacle, they simply leave us. The great die with quiet dignity, not pomp- as it should be :).
     
    Last edited: Sep 20, 2009
  4. Australis

    Australis Writer - Australis Admiral

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    Wow. This made me incredibly sad. I wish I'd known him. I wish I'd known of him. A life lived with hobour, generosity and humility.

    This, this, a thousand times this.
     
  5. Robert Maxwell

    Robert Maxwell memelord Premium Member

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    I've heard of Mr. Borlaug before, and I agree--one of the greatest, if not the greatest person of all time. In absolute terms, he probably directly improved more lives than anyone who has ever lived.
     
  6. Rii

    Rii Rear Admiral

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    It should be noted that he was referring specifically to environmental lobbyists here.
     
  7. Australis

    Australis Writer - Australis Admiral

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    ^ I took it to be referring to his 'harshest critics'. Either works for me.
     
  8. RJDiogenes

    RJDiogenes Idealistic Cynic and Canon Champion Premium Member

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    The greatest thing a Human Being can hope to accomplish is to save one life. Hundreds of millions? This was one lucky, lucky man who lived a grand and meaningful existence.

    RIP, Norman Borlaug.
     
  9. Rii

    Rii Rear Admiral

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    I think it works as a more general statement too, and I suspect that Normal Bourlaug would agree, but I also think the original context should be honoured, to do otherwise seems disrespectful and manipulative.

    Having done only a little reading on the subject, it appears to be a complex and nuanced issue.
     
  10. An Officer

    An Officer Vice Admiral Admiral

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    Not the Rockefellers again. You always have to question their motives.
     
  11. MeanJoePhaser

    MeanJoePhaser Admiral

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    He truly was the King of Crop
     
  12. Bones2

    Bones2 Commodore Commodore

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    I'd never heard of him before. That is sad, because after reading up a little, he deserves the recognition of all.
     
  13. K'riq Sa

    K'riq Sa Commodore

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    "Either this man is dead or my watch has stopped." groucho





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