“‘The city speculates and guesses,’ Leonidas resumed, ‘as to why I elected those I did to the Three Hundred. Was it for their prowess as individual men-at-arms? How could this be, when among champions such as Polynikes, Dienekes, Al-pheus and Maron I nominated as well unblooded youths such as Ariston and your own Alexandros? Perhaps, the city sup’ poses, I divined some subtle alchemy of this unique aggregation. Maybe I was bribed, or paying back favors. I will never tell the city why I appointed these three hundred. I will never tell the Three Hundred themselves. But I now tell you. ” ‘I chose them not for their own valor, lady, but for that of their women.’”
~Stephen Pressfield, Gates of Fire~
The Most Powerful Women in the World
From the beginning of recorded time–as far back as the Spartan battle at the Hot Gates in Thermopaele–the strength of women has been recognized as a steadying force. I cannot recommend Gates of Fire strongly enough. It is one of the best books I’ve ever read, and this is my tribute to some of the world’s most powerful women–a tribute to a few women who demonstrated the kind of inner strength that we all need and who have influenced me as a man.
This is in no particular order, and it’s in no way intended to be comprehensive list of powerful women (there are only three on this page, but it’s an ongoing project). I just want to introduce and highlight a few powerful women that we don’t hear too much about very often. Please don’t be offended if your heroine isn’t on this list, it’s a continuing work in progress. If you have a suggestion, please feel free to email me!
List of Powerful Women from history–in the last century:
Corazon Aquino lived from 1933 until 2009. She was elected the first woman president of the Philippines after her husband was assassinated and she became a unifying force against President Ferdinand Marcos. President Aquino led the Philippines to democracy and is considered a national hero.
Coco Chanel (1883 –1971) revolutionized the fashion industry. She was born into poverty in France and worked as a Cabaret singer before opening a hat shop in 1910. Coco was the first designer to integrate jersey fabrics into women’s clothing, which was revolutionary and controversial at the time. She was also the first designer to move into fragrances when she introduced Chanel No. 5, still a favorite among women today. In the 1970′s, Chanel innovatively introduced bell bottoms. It’s safe to say that she was one of the most powerful women of the last century, and her ideas and inspiration continue to be powerful forces in the fashion industry forty years after her death.
Ayn Rand was a great thinker, a capitalist, philosopher (the creator of Objectivism), and the author of two very influential works of fiction: Atlas Shrugged and The Fountainhead. Rand was a native of Russia and watched the country crumble under Communist rule. She lived from 1905 until 1982. Atlas Shrugged is far and away the best philosophical novel I’ve ever read. Ayn Rand’s legacy is carried on by a number of Objectivism societies. Membership includes politicians and high-level economists, so Rand’s ideas and influence live on. Her stamp as one of the world’s most powerful women of the 20th century is secure.
Powerful Women Quotes
“In order to be irreplaceable, one must always be different.” ~Coco Chanel~
“If you were born without wings, do nothing to prevent them from growing. “ ~Coco Chanel
“Faith is not simply a patience that passively suffers until the storm is past. Rather, it is a spirit that bears things –with resignations, yes, but above all, with blazing, serene hope.” ~Corazon Aquino~
“I would rather die a meaningful death than to live a meaningless life.” ~Corazon Aquino~
“The man who does not value himself, cannot value anything or anyone.” ~Ayn Rand~
“Happiness is that state of consciousness which proceeds from the achievement of one’s values.” ~Ayn Rand~
More Powerful Women and Powerful Women Quotes to Come . . . .
Bear with me, please. The list I’m tackling is very long, so there’s a lot more to come.