Who Gained Fame Posthumously Like Van Gogh?

  • Thread starter Loren Booda
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In summary, many historical figures, such as Vincent van Gogh, Socrates, Galois, Alfred Wegener, Franz Schubert, Robert Goddard, Boltzmann, Turing, Charles Darwin, Tesla, and women scientists in the early 20th century, only gained recognition and fame after their deaths. This was often due to being persecuted or misunderstood during their lifetimes. Some, like Socrates, even chose death over compromising their beliefs. However, there are also those who became famous because of their deaths, like Guy Fawkes. And lastly, there are unsung heroes from prehistoric times who made great inventions but were never recognized.
  • #1
Loren Booda
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Vincent van Gogh comes to mind as someone who gained fame only after their death. What others can you think of?
 
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  • #2
Reminds me of ..

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nkvLq0TYiwI
 
  • #3
People who were only appreciated after death... Socrates comes to mind. Remember, in his time, he was viciously murdered for disagreeing with the government.
 
  • #4
Galois.
 
  • #5
J.S Bach.

By the time of his death, his son's were more famous than he; not to say he was unknown.
 
  • #6
Alfred Wegener (1880-1930) whose case was model for http://www.des.emory.edu/mfp/Kuhn.html, but Kuhn has to die first, before he can be mentioned in this thread.
 
  • #7
Char. Limit said:
he was viciously murdered for disagreeing with the government.

I wouldn't say viciously murdered...
As the quote by him goes: 'The unexamined life is not worth living.' He chose death over giving up his practice of philosophy, namely forcing people to examine their own lives; he chose to die by hemlock.

But contributing to the thread:
Composer Franz Schubert and American Physicist Robert Goddard.
 
  • #8
Boltzmann.
 
  • #9
KrisOhn said:
I wouldn't say viciously murdered...
As the quote by him goes: 'The unexamined life is not worth living.' He chose death over giving up his practice of philosophy, namely forcing people to examine their own lives; he chose to die by hemlock.

He was sentenced to death by a tribunal, hence this is a form of legal homicide.

Philosophical wording that he "choose death" are only dust in the eye of beholder.

The truth is that he was condemned to death, and executed. For the crime of speaking his mind.
 
  • #10
Jimmy Snyder said:
Galois.
Galois didn't really give society enough time to be able to appreciate him.

Similar, but different: Turing.
 
  • #11
Charles Darwin
 
  • #12
Tesla
 
  • #13
What about most of the women who did important work in science during the first part of the 20th century?E.g. the women in 'Pickering's Harem' (as they were known).

(Although some of the them DID get recognized towards the end of their lives)
 
  • #14
Then there were the multitude of prehistoric people unsung for many of the great inventions.
 
  • #15
Loren Booda said:
Then there were the multitude of prehistoric people unsung for many of the great inventions.

Second condition in the OP:
gained fame only after their death
 
  • #16
Also, don't forget all of the men and women who became famous because of their deaths... they weren't appreciated in their lifetime either.

Guy Fawkes, for example.
 
  • #17
Me. :mad:
 
  • #18
Wow, you're dead?

Considering the emoticon you put up, what's it like in heaven?
 
  • #19
Char. Limit said:
Wow, you're dead?

Considering the emoticon you put up, what's it like in heaven?

Its not bad, you get unlimited chocolate. But its kinda cold.
 

FAQ: Who Gained Fame Posthumously Like Van Gogh?

What does it mean for someone to be "unappreciated in their lifetime"?

Being unappreciated in one's lifetime refers to a person who is not recognized or valued for their contributions or achievements during their lifetime. This can be in various areas such as science, arts, or social impact.

Who are some examples of individuals who were unappreciated in their lifetime?

Some famous examples of individuals who were unappreciated in their lifetime include Vincent van Gogh, Emily Dickinson, Nikola Tesla, and Rosalind Franklin. These individuals were only recognized for their talents and impact after their deaths.

What factors contribute to someone being unappreciated in their lifetime?

There can be various factors that contribute to someone being unappreciated in their lifetime. These can include societal biases, lack of recognition or support from peers or institutions, and even personal struggles or setbacks.

Can someone who is unappreciated in their lifetime still make an impact?

Yes, someone who is unappreciated in their lifetime can still make a significant impact. Their contributions may not be recognized during their lifetime, but they can still inspire and influence others, and their work may be appreciated in the future.

How can we prevent individuals from being unappreciated in their lifetime?

To prevent individuals from being unappreciated in their lifetime, it is important to recognize and value their contributions and achievements. This can be done through creating a more inclusive and supportive environment, providing opportunities for recognition and advancement, and challenging societal biases and stereotypes.

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