I think I was about 23 years old at the time. Just out of college and still trying to decide what to do with my life. Actually, I knew what I wanted to do—I wanted to be a historian…..yes, a historian. But I still lacked both the self-confidence and desire that one needs to make that long-term PhD commitment.Anyway, Arthur Schlesinger had just published a new biography on Robert Kennedy—and I was excited. Even though I had little money (I don’t think I had a job at the time), I immediately went out and bought a hardcover copy—1066 pages in all.
While Robert Kennedy was my primary interest, I was also captivated by Arthur Schlesinger, the historian. While becoming a real historian remained a fantasy for me, at least I had a role model. Schlesinger was not only a historian, but he was a certified, unabashed liberal who had worked in the Kennedy White House. I could pattern my life after this guy. Hell, he might have even been a New York Mets fan!
One day, while absorbing parts of those 1066 pages, I decided it would be nice to get Schlesinger to autograph the book. I knew I couldn’t go to his office in New York City—so I wrote him a letter. I said I admired his work (especially this book), and I would really appreciate an autograph. I wasn’t expecting a reply.
Then, about three weeks later, I received a small envelope from “The City University of New York.” Inside was neatly folded, small piece of stationary addressed to me with the following quote and signature:
”I have no expectation that any man will read history aright who thinks that what was done in a remote age, by men whose names have resounded far, has any deeper sense that what he is doing to-day.” --Emerson
With best wishes
Arthur M. Schlesinger
I was stunned….happy…ecstatic. That piece of paper remains one of my most cherished possessions. A few years later I had it laminated and it still graces the pages of that RFK biography. I won’t be so dramatic as to say Schlesinger’s response inspired me to become a historian—but I think it might have helped just a little.
I actually met him about fifteen years later at a history conference. He was just as I had expected—wearing his little bowtie and gleefully talking about FDR’s foreign policy. I swear, when Schlesinger talked about his hero FDR--the room got brighter, the sun came out, and smiles appeared on people’s faces. I think history was fun for Arthur Schlesinger. I think he enjoyed it and relished the opportunity to teach it to others. 
Dr. Schlesinger passed away last evening. He will be missed.
7 comments:
What a lovely story . . . just goes to show how much we owe to those who came before us . . . and Arthur Schlesinger, Jr. was certainly one upon whose shoulders we are honored to stand.
A very nice piece of writing, just the sort of thing I have come to expect--and receive--from this blog. I, too, cut my teeth as an aspiring historian on Schlesinger's writings, starting with "The Age of Jackson," still a book worth reading. Keep up the good work.
Remarkable issues here. I am very happy to peer your article.
Thank you so much and I am having a look forward to
touch you. Will you please drop me a e-mail?
Look into my web blog - Live Jasmine
The firms need to hire sensible and professional writers to generate the apt content and articles.
Plus we were asked to leave it for 12 to 16 hours for
each bottle to get magnetized -- and that was with huge magnets
of a very high power. Right click on No - Changing - Wallpaper,
click Modify, and change the value to 0.
my website :: windows 7 loader free download
electronic cigarette, e cigarette, buy electronic cigarette, e cig, e cigarette, electronic cigarettes
bot pokemon go satu klik
Post a Comment