Whenever one considers such a ranking, the obvious question that must be confronted first is which criteria are to be used. A list emphasizing scientific and/or cultural achievements will look very different than one limited to political or military accomplishments. Moreover, a list featuring great political leaders will vary to a considerable degree depending on who is putting that list together. After all, historians are often the most biased observers and commentators of all - though they hate to admit it. Nevertheless, this reality of bias should not dissuade us from contemplating the great leaders, scholars, scientists, and common ordinary people that have helped our country achieve such great and wondrous things over her history.
Given the wide scope of such a task, however, we must return to the basic subject of criteria. By what measurement should we judge who the "greatest Americans" were?
Several years ago, Life magazine took up this challenge, naming (in its view) the twenty-five greatest American heroes. Topping the list were Abraham Lincoln (#1) and Martin Luther King, Jr. (#2). Life's ranking was varied and somewhat controversial, pulling lesser-known figures from obscurity and placing them on the list ahead of many better-known beneficiaries of America's history textbooks. While the list represented a commendable effort, this editor found the order a bit objectionable. Thomas Jefferson, the primary author of the Declaration of Independence, was relegated to eighth place, behind even Tecumseh.
By no means does this editor place himself in the position of ultimate arbiter on suitable criteria and appropriate ranking. Nevertheless, since this topic centers on the founding era of the United States, it seemed logical that we consider this particular matter in that context.
Therefore, it seemed altogether fitting that, in contemplating the greatest Americans of all time, one's compass should be fixed on the opening lines of our nation's Declaration of Independence - the words that give meaning to our very existence as a nation. On July 4, 1776, the Second Continental Congress approved these words as the Mission Statement for the United States of America:
 |
| Here's the follow-up discussion on this article: | View all related messages |
For a complete listing of article comments, questions, and other discussions related to Brian Tubbs's American Revolution topic, please visit the Discussions page.