Josh Wakefield's Eternal Heroes List

People I Admire

I tend to be inspired or at least fascinated by the stories of great men and women. Heroes; explorers; scientists; leaders of nations or other groups. When I read of the really great and remarkable things done by so many otherwise ordinary people, it helps me realize that we probably all have the potential to be great at something.

Sir Isaac Newton (1643-1727), who formulated the laws of motion and gravity so accurately that we still use them three centuries later to explore the solar system. But who, while keeper of the treasury of England, enjoyed interrogating counterfeiters and sending them to the gallows. It was said of him, that "As a man he was a failure. As a monster, he was superb."

Richard Feynman (1918-1988), the century's most brilliant and unusual thinker. Isaac Newton spoke of having stood on the shoulders of giants. Feynman tried to stand on his own.

Carl Sagan (1934-1996), who was instrumental in capturing the imagination of the public and instilling in all of us an appreciation for the wonder and importance of science.

Albert Pacifico, arguably the best heart surgeon in the world. Pacifico was one of the most sought-after heart surgeons from 1967 to 2006. Where many heart surgeons perform 150 operations a year, Pacifico exceeded that many in six weeks. His average was 1,200 a year. Dr. Pacifico retired in Summer 2006.

	Sir Isaac Newton (1643-1727), who formulated the laws of motion and gravity so accurately that we still use them three centuries later to explore the solar system. But who, while keeper of the treasury of England, enjoyed interrogating counterfeiters and sending them to the gallows. It was said of him, that "As a man he was a failure. As a monster, he was superb."
	Richard Feynman (1918-1988), the century's most brilliant and unusual thinker. Isaac Newton spoke of having stood on the shoulders of giants. Feynman tried to stand on his own.
	Carl Sagan (1934-1996), who was instrumental in capturing the imagination of the public and instilling in all of us an appreciation for the wonder and importance of science.
	Albert Pacifico, arguably the best heart surgeon in the world. Pacifico was one of the most sought-after heart surgeons from 1967 to 2006. Where many heart surgeons perform 150 operations a year, Pacifico exceeded that many in six weeks. His average was 1,200 a year. Dr. Pacifico retired in Summer 2006.