Hmm, if by historical you mean "no longer with us" I would pick John Lewis, Crazy Horse, and Frances Perkins. If we can include the living, I'd pick the Dalai Lama, Deb Haaland, and Madeleine Albright. Hard choices. Couldn't we expand it to 12?!
Mary (Jesus' mother), Rosa Parks, and John Adams/Thomas Jefferson (I'd sure love to ask them alot of questions about their intentions and thoughts on the Constitution)
Theodore Roosevelt, Martin Luther King, Jr, and Abraham Lincoln. I would love to hear TR’s reflections on the profound unfitness of our 45th president. Imagining his righteous indignation makes me smile.
Martin Luther (of 95 thesis) on leading a successful reformation (earlier ones were burned for their efforts); CS Lewis, of whom much is written but still not the inner man; Abraham Lincoln/FDR to understand how they led in times of trial.
Mary McLeod Bethune, Abraham Lincoln, and Frances Perkins (the true architect of Social Security, she’s been almost forgotten by historians & the American public--shameful!).
Since so much of John Adam's correspondence has been preserved, I feel we know alot about him compared to some of the other founding fathers, so I would pick Abraham Lincoln, Winston Churchill and Eleanor Roosevelt.
William Shakespeare - to discuss his use of language and his idea of kingship/leadership.
Leonardo Da Vinci - to listen to the unimpeded flow of ideas and visions of the future, to celebrate intelligence and creativity without fear and intimidation, and maybe watch him do a little sketch on a dinner napkin.
Elizabeth I - to commiserate about the challenges faced by a woman leader in a man's world and how to walk the fine line between vision, whim and cruelty.
Many people are choosing Lincoln. On December 26, 1862, 38 Dakota warriors were hanged in Mankato, Minnesota under orders of President Abraham Lincoln in the largest mass execution in U.S. history. As a Minnesotan, I see and feel how this shameful history lives on in Native people throughout the Upper Midwest. A group of descendants of the Dakota men who were hanged ride on horseback every year from South Dakota to Mankato to honor their ancestors and remember what happened at the hanging and the aftermath. Look online for photos and videos of the 38+2 and their majestic horses riding in the brutal winter conditions. I realize this may be off topic; but I can no longer think of Lincoln without thinking of this.
I would rather meet the wives of some historical figures who probably did the work and didn't get credit for it, because women weren't allowed to make money: Schuman's wife, Abigail Adams, Juliette Hayesi?
Currently historical, Nancy Pelosi, Elizabeth Warren, and ,AOC
Can I change my mind?? I forgot about Thomas Edison. Without whom we wouldn't even be DOING this. Or maybe in the dark, no TV, no record player.... OMG.
If I was able to time travel and had the opportunity to go back in time and meet and talk with 3 historic figures, I would choose Jesus, Ben Franklin and General Eisenhower. Jesus for obvious reasons, Ben Franklin because of his relationship with his son who chose the Crown over a new Nation and finally General Eisenhower to ask him about the struggle to to keep all his forces together before and after D-day.
I’ve decided it’s best not to wait until my choices have become dead, since I’m older than all of them. I want to sit at a table with Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez, Ellie Mystal, and Steve Schmidt. We can start with coffee in the morning and move on to other beverages later.
Not a lot of composers repped -- so I'll go with Bach or Mozart. A number of comedians would fit the bill (my choices would be Richard Pryor or George Carlin). I'd round it out with a philosopher (Aristotle, Lao-Tzu) or social theorist (Karl Marx, Max Weber, Jane Addams, Michel Foucault).
Steve Allen's Meeting of Minds (https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Meeting_of_Minds) was an inspired attempt to simulate your stepson's question, with some spirited conversations resulting. Some of the episodes are posted on YouTube.
Steve please share with your stepson that since the 1970’s when I’m at a gathering and getting to know people (especially the
Financial & Political types) I say I’m going to have an imaginary party and you can pick 3 people living or dead at the age you want them to be…from that you can tell
Their interests or quickly decide to meet
Other people.. he might have fun and
Be able to eliminate self absorbed idiots!
People of Substance will astonish quickly
And those are the people I gravitate toward and have for all my life🎉have fun
a son of Ramses II (the Great), often called the "first archeologist," an intellectual, an expert regarding traditions who organized his father's ceremonial duties, a legend revered for centuries
Abe Lincoln:
no explanation needed
Mark Twain:
"Of all God’s creatures there is only one that cannot be made the slave of the lash. That one is the cat. If man could be crossed with the cat it would improve man, but it would deteriorate the cat." from Mark Twain’s Notebook
I have selected people I believe will want to have a discussion with me as a contemporary so...Hillary Rodham Clinton, Bruce Springsteen, and Barack Obama
Impossible to pick three, despite the fact that your choices are compelling.
First there are no women on your list.
What about Winnie Mandela? Or Harriet Tubman? Or Mary Magdalen (sp?)?
And no bad guys. I'd love to have met Hitler.
Of course I loathe the man, but his impact on the 20th century is unequaled
My first question would be "WTF were you THINKING?"
Jesse Owens, Mickey Mantle, John Carlos and Tommy Smith,
Winston Churchill has to be on a lot of lists. So does Obama
I could go on. I can't pick three.
But for anyone reading this, my point is expand your outlook beyond American borders, beyond just white men, and beyond just heroes. Beyond just your own lifetime and the 20th century.
Ulysses Grant is one of America's greatest heroes. Anyone think of him?
The antiheroes are fascinating.
Stalin is a fascinating study in 360 degree terribleness.
Although I'd draw the line at Trump.
He's just a lout, a clown, a weak man who suckered the country.
That said, it'd be nice to meet him and tell him what an a-hole he is.
Incredibly 'disruptive' figures fighting for the poorest among us ... steadfast.y ... against great power/odds (within and without in the case of Pope Francis) ... utilizing the asymmetrical tool of civil disobedience.
This is impossible request to limit to only 3.... :-) Has to be at least a dozen......
Yajnavalkya, the most illustrious of the ancient sages of the Upanishads of India, humanity's first nondual wisdom texts.
The Buddha (and exceptional Buddhist sages/saints down the ages, from Nagarjuna to Milarepa to Bankei to Chan master Xuyun)
Yeshua (Jesus) and Mary/Miriam of Nazareth and any number of saints through the ages-- from John Scotus Eriugena to St. Francis, St. Francis of Paola, the Cure d'Ars, St. Seraphim, Padre Pio....
Harriet Tubman, Eleanor Roosevelt, Gandhi
Women: Abigail Adams, Sally Hemings, Coretta Scott King.
Hmm, if by historical you mean "no longer with us" I would pick John Lewis, Crazy Horse, and Frances Perkins. If we can include the living, I'd pick the Dalai Lama, Deb Haaland, and Madeleine Albright. Hard choices. Couldn't we expand it to 12?!
Buddha Tim Leary and Groucho Marx
Mary (Jesus' mother), Rosa Parks, and John Adams/Thomas Jefferson (I'd sure love to ask them alot of questions about their intentions and thoughts on the Constitution)
Theodore Roosevelt, Martin Luther King, Jr, and Abraham Lincoln. I would love to hear TR’s reflections on the profound unfitness of our 45th president. Imagining his righteous indignation makes me smile.
Martin Luther (of 95 thesis) on leading a successful reformation (earlier ones were burned for their efforts); CS Lewis, of whom much is written but still not the inner man; Abraham Lincoln/FDR to understand how they led in times of trial.
My picks are: Joseph Campbell, Carl Sagan, Barbara Jordan
Jesus, Gandhi, Abraham Lincoln
Mary McLeod Bethune, Abraham Lincoln, and Frances Perkins (the true architect of Social Security, she’s been almost forgotten by historians & the American public--shameful!).
Since so much of John Adam's correspondence has been preserved, I feel we know alot about him compared to some of the other founding fathers, so I would pick Abraham Lincoln, Winston Churchill and Eleanor Roosevelt.
Ben Franklin, Frances Perkins, Wilma Mankiller
Aristotle, Harriet Tubman and Mark Twain
Leonardo da Vinci, Emilie, la Marquise du Chatelet, Voltaire, Hedy Lamarr. Oh, but wait, I have! https://edgeofyesterday.com/time-travelers/discover/heroes/hedy-lamarr
Queen Boudica, Alice Paul, Frida Kahlo
Steve Schmidt is far more interesting than I ever realized before joining The Warning!
William Shakespeare - to discuss his use of language and his idea of kingship/leadership.
Leonardo Da Vinci - to listen to the unimpeded flow of ideas and visions of the future, to celebrate intelligence and creativity without fear and intimidation, and maybe watch him do a little sketch on a dinner napkin.
Elizabeth I - to commiserate about the challenges faced by a woman leader in a man's world and how to walk the fine line between vision, whim and cruelty.
My age: Martin, Bobby, John
Many people are choosing Lincoln. On December 26, 1862, 38 Dakota warriors were hanged in Mankato, Minnesota under orders of President Abraham Lincoln in the largest mass execution in U.S. history. As a Minnesotan, I see and feel how this shameful history lives on in Native people throughout the Upper Midwest. A group of descendants of the Dakota men who were hanged ride on horseback every year from South Dakota to Mankato to honor their ancestors and remember what happened at the hanging and the aftermath. Look online for photos and videos of the 38+2 and their majestic horses riding in the brutal winter conditions. I realize this may be off topic; but I can no longer think of Lincoln without thinking of this.
I would rather meet the wives of some historical figures who probably did the work and didn't get credit for it, because women weren't allowed to make money: Schuman's wife, Abigail Adams, Juliette Hayesi?
Currently historical, Nancy Pelosi, Elizabeth Warren, and ,AOC
Am loving reading all these suggestions. Thank you all!
Ghandi, Frederick Douglass, Alexander Hamilton
Frances Perkins, Dept of Labor Secretary and first woman to be seated in a President's cabinet.
Grace O'Malley, 1600's Irish Pirate.
Margaret of Wessex/St. Margaret of Scotland, ancestral grandmother on my father's side.
Martin Luther King, JFK, Winston Churchill
I need more than 3. I would also like to meet the guy who invented birth control pills so I could KISS HIS FOOT. TWICE
Can I change my mind?? I forgot about Thomas Edison. Without whom we wouldn't even be DOING this. Or maybe in the dark, no TV, no record player.... OMG.
Albert Einstein, Sitting Bull, and Shirley Chisholm
Abraham Lincoln, Eleanor Roosevelt and DaVinci
If I was able to time travel and had the opportunity to go back in time and meet and talk with 3 historic figures, I would choose Jesus, Ben Franklin and General Eisenhower. Jesus for obvious reasons, Ben Franklin because of his relationship with his son who chose the Crown over a new Nation and finally General Eisenhower to ask him about the struggle to to keep all his forces together before and after D-day.
The Buddha, Socrates/Aristotle/Plato, Thomas Jefferson.
Jesus, but NOT the white Jesus. The Palestinian Jesus.
Mary Daly
Mary Oliver
Joseph Campbell, Richard Feynman, Shakespeare
Thomas Jefferson, William Shakespeare, Socrates
Ben Franklin, Julius Caesar, Socretes
I’ve decided it’s best not to wait until my choices have become dead, since I’m older than all of them. I want to sit at a table with Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez, Ellie Mystal, and Steve Schmidt. We can start with coffee in the morning and move on to other beverages later.
Tough decision. Benjamin Franklin, Abigail Adams, Ruth Bader Ginsburg
Not a lot of composers repped -- so I'll go with Bach or Mozart. A number of comedians would fit the bill (my choices would be Richard Pryor or George Carlin). I'd round it out with a philosopher (Aristotle, Lao-Tzu) or social theorist (Karl Marx, Max Weber, Jane Addams, Michel Foucault).
Steve Allen's Meeting of Minds (https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Meeting_of_Minds) was an inspired attempt to simulate your stepson's question, with some spirited conversations resulting. Some of the episodes are posted on YouTube.
Jesus, Albert Einstein, Eleanor Roosevelt
Jesus, Abraham Lincoln, Eleanor Roosevelt.
Steve please share with your stepson that since the 1970’s when I’m at a gathering and getting to know people (especially the
Financial & Political types) I say I’m going to have an imaginary party and you can pick 3 people living or dead at the age you want them to be…from that you can tell
Their interests or quickly decide to meet
Other people.. he might have fun and
Be able to eliminate self absorbed idiots!
People of Substance will astonish quickly
And those are the people I gravitate toward and have for all my life🎉have fun
Khaemwas:
a son of Ramses II (the Great), often called the "first archeologist," an intellectual, an expert regarding traditions who organized his father's ceremonial duties, a legend revered for centuries
Abe Lincoln:
no explanation needed
Mark Twain:
"Of all God’s creatures there is only one that cannot be made the slave of the lash. That one is the cat. If man could be crossed with the cat it would improve man, but it would deteriorate the cat." from Mark Twain’s Notebook
I have selected people I believe will want to have a discussion with me as a contemporary so...Hillary Rodham Clinton, Bruce Springsteen, and Barack Obama
Impossible to pick three, despite the fact that your choices are compelling.
First there are no women on your list.
What about Winnie Mandela? Or Harriet Tubman? Or Mary Magdalen (sp?)?
And no bad guys. I'd love to have met Hitler.
Of course I loathe the man, but his impact on the 20th century is unequaled
My first question would be "WTF were you THINKING?"
Jesse Owens, Mickey Mantle, John Carlos and Tommy Smith,
Winston Churchill has to be on a lot of lists. So does Obama
I could go on. I can't pick three.
But for anyone reading this, my point is expand your outlook beyond American borders, beyond just white men, and beyond just heroes. Beyond just your own lifetime and the 20th century.
Ulysses Grant is one of America's greatest heroes. Anyone think of him?
The antiheroes are fascinating.
Stalin is a fascinating study in 360 degree terribleness.
Although I'd draw the line at Trump.
He's just a lout, a clown, a weak man who suckered the country.
That said, it'd be nice to meet him and tell him what an a-hole he is.
Crazy Horse, RFK, Eleanor Roosevelt
Winston Churchill, Elie Weisel, Ghandi
Howard Zinn, Frederick Douglass (I hear he's being recognized more and more), and Eleanor Roosevelt.
James Baldwin. Chief Joseph. Hannah Arendt.
Cesar Chavez, Pope Francis, Ghandi.
Incredibly 'disruptive' figures fighting for the poorest among us ... steadfast.y ... against great power/odds (within and without in the case of Pope Francis) ... utilizing the asymmetrical tool of civil disobedience.
This is impossible request to limit to only 3.... :-) Has to be at least a dozen......
Yajnavalkya, the most illustrious of the ancient sages of the Upanishads of India, humanity's first nondual wisdom texts.
The Buddha (and exceptional Buddhist sages/saints down the ages, from Nagarjuna to Milarepa to Bankei to Chan master Xuyun)
Yeshua (Jesus) and Mary/Miriam of Nazareth and any number of saints through the ages-- from John Scotus Eriugena to St. Francis, St. Francis of Paola, the Cure d'Ars, St. Seraphim, Padre Pio....
Any number of women spiritual luminaries whom i profiled in the online vast compilation (1200 pages equivalent tome) https://www.enlightened-spirituality.org/Women_of_Spirit.html
It seems there is some presumption that if we want to meet her/him, then she/he would have some interest in meeting us, which I deem doubtful.