Popularity: The Opiate of the Insignificant
Today, someone reminded me of how unpopular I am. Thank goodness! If I were popular it would mean I was admired for the most trivial of reasons. When someone tries to denigrate you based on popularity, you have an instant measurement of their depth.
John R. Boyd wasn't popular. He was hated. He was held in comtempt by his peers. He had a small circle of friends that understood him and his brilliance. By most accounts, he wasn't a very good family man, his personal relationships were disfunctional.
But he did more to transform the defense of the United States than anyone ever and changed the ways wars are fought more than any one in centuries, if not millenia. He is the father of the F-15, F-16, and A-10. He defined the OODA loop and the Energy-Maneuverability Theory. He helped design the US victory in Desert Storm.
He was arguably the best fighter pilot in the history of the US Air Force even though he never got a shot at an enemy jet. As an instructor at the USAF Fighter Weapons School, he had a standing bet that he could beat all comers in 40 seconds or less of aerial combat. He never lost.
John Boyd had a saying: You can be somebody or you can do something. He felt you had to choose between popularity and accomplishment. He felt that you couldn't really be a mover and shaker from within the system. He knew that if you try to change the world, you are going to be unpopular. His enemies made sure he retired a Colonel.
On the other hand you have Robert Redford, Brad Pitt, Tom Cruise and George Clooney, enormously popular but intellectual and philosophical midgets.
Popularity is an opiate. It makes the ignorant think they are smart. It makes the weak think they are powerful, it makes mortals think they are timeless. The silly followers of outward appearance and chic that put so much effort into being popular are just crack whores following the dealers, looking for the crumbs and cuttings from the players.
John R. Boyd died virtually unknown but his legacy is growing. As time goes by, his principles are applied across dimensions and disciplines unimagined just a few years ago. There will come a time when there will be a well worn path to his grave in Arlington Cemetery. Robert Redford, Brad Pitt, Tom Cruise and George Clooney? Everything except their screen images will be forgotten.
I cannot say but I hope that if I were to wake up popular one morning, I would seriously doubt myself.
John R. Boyd wasn't popular. He was hated. He was held in comtempt by his peers. He had a small circle of friends that understood him and his brilliance. By most accounts, he wasn't a very good family man, his personal relationships were disfunctional.
But he did more to transform the defense of the United States than anyone ever and changed the ways wars are fought more than any one in centuries, if not millenia. He is the father of the F-15, F-16, and A-10. He defined the OODA loop and the Energy-Maneuverability Theory. He helped design the US victory in Desert Storm.
He was arguably the best fighter pilot in the history of the US Air Force even though he never got a shot at an enemy jet. As an instructor at the USAF Fighter Weapons School, he had a standing bet that he could beat all comers in 40 seconds or less of aerial combat. He never lost.
John Boyd had a saying: You can be somebody or you can do something. He felt you had to choose between popularity and accomplishment. He felt that you couldn't really be a mover and shaker from within the system. He knew that if you try to change the world, you are going to be unpopular. His enemies made sure he retired a Colonel.
On the other hand you have Robert Redford, Brad Pitt, Tom Cruise and George Clooney, enormously popular but intellectual and philosophical midgets.
Popularity is an opiate. It makes the ignorant think they are smart. It makes the weak think they are powerful, it makes mortals think they are timeless. The silly followers of outward appearance and chic that put so much effort into being popular are just crack whores following the dealers, looking for the crumbs and cuttings from the players.
John R. Boyd died virtually unknown but his legacy is growing. As time goes by, his principles are applied across dimensions and disciplines unimagined just a few years ago. There will come a time when there will be a well worn path to his grave in Arlington Cemetery. Robert Redford, Brad Pitt, Tom Cruise and George Clooney? Everything except their screen images will be forgotten.
I cannot say but I hope that if I were to wake up popular one morning, I would seriously doubt myself.
posted by ironcross11 | 10:06 PM
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Upon request of interested parties, that which was debated here has been removed.
I stand by my assertions that we have yet to see a process that is anywhere near "ideal". If you wish to debate that premise, the history or the future, I'll be happy to indulge, but not here.
This is where I discuss subjects that are hobbies and interests that generally exclude work. The first time the content stopped meeting my intent I should have deleted. I apologize to all the good and worthy souls that might have taken offense during my strident defense of things I believe in. I'll leave it to you to determine whether that includes you.
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