Episode 13: g.o.a.t conversation part II

Greatest of all time (Goat) conversations and debates- they're usually very interesting, sometimes emotionally stirred, many times heated- 

but when anyone asks who is the greatest of all time, who comes to your mind?

 To merely be in consideration, there are some obvious prerequisites.  

• Technical mastery
• Cultural impact
• Profound influence
• And a lasting legacy

Let's explore Leonardo da vinci, Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart, Leonardo da vinci, Ludwig Van Beethoven,  Edson Arantes do Nascimento , nicknamed ( Pelé), and Michael Jeffrey Jordan. 

Transcript

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The greatest of all time, GOAT, conversation in itself is completely subjective. Time adds a layer of complexity to the entire discussion. By definition, time is the indefinite continued progress of existence and events in the past, present, and future, regarded as a whole. Who is capable of omnipresence aside from God? Now that the particulars are out of the way and there is obviously no right answer, let's talk about these GOAT conversations. They're usually very interesting, sometimes emotionally stirred, many times heated. But when someone asks who is the greatest of all time, who comes to your mind? To merely be in consideration, there are some obvious prerequisites, technical mastery, cultural impact, profound influence, and a lasting legacy. Leonardo da Vinci lived from 1452 to 1519 and is often cited as the greatest artist. His paintings, Mona Lisa and The Last Supper, are among the most famous and analyzed paintings in history. He wasn't only known for his painting, Da Vinci excelled in science, anatomy, and engineering. I often hear about his masterpieces, but never about the personal challenges he faced. And there were many. He was born the illegitimate son of a notary to a peasant woman. During this era, children born out of wedlock did not receive formal education beyond basic reading, writing, and mathematics. Da Vinci was no exception. His personal reputation suffered throughout his career as he was known for abandoning projects. And in his later years, he suffered from a stroke that paralyzed his right hand, leaving him to work with just his left. In spite of setbacks, his genius and versatility has an absolute mark on art, science, and technology. In part one of the Greatest Conversation Podcast Episode 9, definitely go back and listen if you haven't. I highlighted the genius of Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart, whose musical gift transcends generations. And he too endured his share of difficulty with financial and family challenges. Ludwig van Beethoven lived from 1770 to 1827. He is one of the most influential composers. His innovation quite literally changed music. Beethoven expanded symphonic form in both length and complexity. He transformed pianos sonata. His cultural impact is inexplicable. His ninth symphony. Ode to Joy has become an anthem for freedom and unity. Beethoven is without a doubt part of the GOAT conversation. And this is what I found fascinating about this legend. In his late 20s, he suffered from hearing loss, which led to complete deafness. Beethoven created music without the ability to hear. Pele transcended football, also known as soccer, with his charisma, sportsmanship, and a career saturated with wins. He holds a Guinness World Record for most career goals, scoring 1,279 goals in 1,363 games. Pele is the only player to win three FIFA World Cup titles. He was awarded the Brazilian Order of Merit, one of Brazil's highest civilian honors, Presidential Medal of Freedom in the United States, and Knight Commander of the Order of the British Empire. With his cultural impact, Pele is easily a global icon. He grew up in a poor family in the slums of Brazil. At a young age, he stuffed a sock with rags or grapefruit because he couldn't afford a football. He endured racial discrimination and prejudice. In the beginning of his career, he was ridiculed for his small size and doubted because of his young age. Pele endured unthinkably difficult times and still managed to transcend an entire sport. Six NBA championships, five regular season MVP awards, 14 All-Star appearances, 10 scoring titles, Defensive Player of the Year 1988, 9 NBA All-Defensive First Team Selections, 3 All-Star Game MVP Awards. Whose resume? None other than the living icon Michael Jeffrey Jordan. MJ is widely regarded as the greatest basketball player of all time. His combination of skill, competitiveness, and marketability transformed the NBA and made basketball popular globally. As a kid, I remember the Chicago Bulls always winning the championship. MJ at millions of breakfast tables on the Wheaties box. And I remember young athletes praying for athleticism like him and grown men modeling his swag. Michael Jordan, who was cut from his high school varsity basketball team, is no stranger to adversity. He endured the devastation of tragically losing his father in the midst of his career. In the face of all of this, his greatness extends to his Jordan brand, which generates$5 billion annually, that's billion with the B, and to his philanthropic efforts. I notice a thread that ties all the greats together. Not just their technical expertise, commitment, innovation, and impact. It's their grit. Their ability to withstand hardship, to overcome harsh environments, and personal afflictions. Not everyone can be the greatest, but anyone can strive for greatness. This is the Greatest Conversation Part 2. I am Erica Floyd, host of Brilliant Everyday Podcasts. Don't miss the Greatest Conversation Part 3 coming soon. Subscribe on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, and YouTube, among other podcast platforms for notifications on new episodes. Grab my debut book, Count to 40, off Amazon. If you're in a season of unapologetic growth, it's definitely for you. Connect with me at Erica Innovates on Instagram and Threads. Visit EricaInnovates.com to stay plugged in. Until next time. Cheers.