Celebrity Biography

Author: [French] Roman Rolland
Publisher:
Publish Date: 2005-06-01
Features: "The Lives of the Great" includes three biographies of artists: "Beethoven's Life" (1903), "Michelangelo's Life" (1906), and "Tolstoy's Life" (1911). The three individuals in the work, though a musician, sculptor, and novelist, are all heroes who pursue truth and art in the face of suffering and dedicate themselves selflessly to the happiness and ideals of humanity. Here, Roman Rolland points out: "Heroes are not those who are great in thought or strength, but those who are great in spirit. Without great virtue, there are no great people, not even great artists or great action-takers." "The Lives of the Great" reminds us that tragic fate does not only befall ordinary people but also great ones, and often their suffering is even deeper. As a musician, Beethoven lost the hearing he should have had; Michelangelo, due to his weak character, endured lifelong torment of shame; and Tolstoy only managed to integrate his life and beliefs before his death. All these tortures show us: life is suffering.