The Winning Factor

Introduction

How did Helen Keller become such an iconic figure in our cultural consciousness? How did Nelson Mandela emerge from a lengthy imprisonment without bitterness, anger, and resentment? How did Aleksandr Solzhenitsyn grow up a free thinker in an oppressive culture? There is clearly some factor in the development of certain human beings that transcends culture, upbringing, and genetics. Sometimes the influence of another person or persons plays a vital role. Helen Keller, for example, was fortunate to have as her teacher Annie Sullivan, whose part in her development was immense. And Nelson Mandela, in his book Long Walk to Freedom, speaks of many people, including writers and historical figures from the past, who strongly influenced who ...