42. (45.) The greatness of individuals can be decided only by those who live after them, not by their contemporaries.

42. The greatness of individuals can be decided only by those who live after them, not by their contemporaries.
(45. Claim: It is no longer possible for a society to regard any living man or woman as a hero. 
Reason: The reputation of anyone who is subjected to media scrutiny will eventually be diminished)

Define: greatness
- Accomplishments that benefited society?

- Depends on the cultural environment (socioeconomic times, religious beliefs, etc.)

Agree:
Ex: Galileo was condemned for his support of heliocentrism, the theory that the Earth and other planets circled around the stationary Sun. This model was contrary to the popular belief in geocentrism, the belief that the Earth was the center of the universe.
- Scientists lay down the fundamentals of science and it is only years later that technologies are built upon these foundations that the full potential of these discoveries are realized.
(Ex: President Clinton's scandalous affair with Monica Lewinsky obliterated what good he did in the office, including a fantastic view of the national interest and a broad, inspiring vision of a nation of diversity.)

Disagree:
- Contemporaries sees the climb to the top of some great people.
Ex: Steve Jobs is widely acclaimed as the pioneer of the personal computer revolution.
(Steve Jobs, though a hugely successful businessman and inventor, was also known for being rude and mean. However, this did not diminish his success or popularity.)
- Greatness through influence
Ex: Voltaire's satirical writings were an inspiration during the French Revolution.