AMERICAN LEGENDS

10 Larger-Than-Life Personalities From American History

Image: Jéan Béller

America’s past is full of titanic figures that left a lasting mark on our shared history. But some of these larger-than-life personalities were more than just important names in a history book; they were architects of change and catalysts for progress, true embodiments of the American spirit.

Join us as we unravel the lives and accomplishments of 10 extraordinary individuals who helped shape the course of the nation.

Image: J. Amill Santiago

Thomas Jefferson's contributions to American governance are unparalleled. He was greatly inspired by the writings of John Locke about the social contract, and by many French philosophers of his time that embraced republican virtues. As the main author behind the Declaration of Independence, he clearly articulated the nation's founding principles of liberty and equality.

Image: FDR Presidential Library & Museum, CC BY 2.0

Eleanor Roosevelt singlehandedly redefined the role of the First Lady, using her platform to champion civil rights, women's rights, and human rights on a global scale. After the death of her husband, she served as the first U.S. delegate to the United Nations General Assembly and oversaw the drafting of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights. Her tireless advocacy earned her worldwide respect and left an enduring legacy that continues to inspire leaders and activists everywhere.

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Martin Luther King Jr.'s nonviolent approach to civil rights activism galvanized a movement that challenged institutionalized racism and segregation. His "I Have a Dream" speech shook Americans and opened a path for equality and integration in a highly segregated society. Surviving many attacks against his person, he remained adamant about his ideals, which eventually materialized with the signing into law of the Civil Rights Act of 1964.

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Born into a socially progressive Quaker family, Susan B. Anthony dedicated her life to securing women's right to vote, tirelessly campaigning for suffrage and gender equality. Despite being initially ridiculed and slandered for her activism, her efforts paved the way for the eventual passage of the 19th Amendment, granting women the right to vote. And, in 1979, she became the first female citizen to appear on U.S. coinage.

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Theodore Roosevelt's larger-than-life persona embodied the spirit of the Progressive Era. Despite being born sickly and suffering regular bouts of asthma during his childhood, he went on to have an adventurous youth and loved to practice many strenuous outdoor sports, like hiking and rowing, to keep himself healthy. As president, he fought against monopolies, expanded national parks, and asserted America's role as a global power through his strong policies.

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Harriet Tubman's daring escape from slavery and subsequent work as a "conductor" on the Underground Railroad made her a symbol of resistance against oppression. During her time as conductor, she managed to rescue around 70 enslaved people, including her family and friends. Later, during the American Civil War, she served as an armed scout and spy for the Union Army and supported the incipient women's suffrage movement.

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John F. Kennedy's presidency symbolized a new era of optimism and ambition in America. But even before turning into politics, he was an extraordinary leader. He served in the U.S. Navy during World War II and received a Purple Heart for his courage and the daring rescue of fellow sailors after their patrol ship was sunk by a Japanese destroyer. His commitment to civil rights, space exploration, and global diplomacy left an enduring legacy despite his tragically shortened tenure.

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Benjamin Franklin's multifaceted contributions to American society encompassed science, diplomacy, and literature. Born into a working family, he acquired an education with great effort on the part of his family and through voracious reading. From his experiments with electricity to his pivotal role in securing French support during the Revolutionary War, Franklin's wisdom shaped the nation's trajectory.

Image: Gene Herrick for the Associated Press

Rosa Parks's refusal to surrender her bus seat to a white passenger sparked the Montgomery Bus Boycott and ignited the civil rights movement. Her act of defiance against segregation inspired millions and catalyzed significant legislative reforms, but she didn’t stop there. She also collaborated with Civil Rights leaders like Martin Luther King Jr. and Malcolm X, and campaigned for nationwide integration and true equality of opportunities.

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Walt Disney was a pioneer and creative genius who revolutionized entertainment, exporting the essence of American imagination to every corner of the globe. Interested in arts at a young age, his visionary wit brought to life many beloved characters, as well as dozens of animated classics and theme parks. To this day, his vision and spirit continue to enchant audiences all over the world.

Bite-sized wisdom

Food for thought: 10 deliciously clever food idioms and their meanings

Image: Prudence Earl

Food-related idioms add flavor to our everyday conversations, but have you ever thought about their origins? From sweet compliments to cautionary advice, these phrases are often rooted in history and culture. From "humble pie" to "spilled milk," here we’ve gathered 10 food idioms and expressions with interesting backstories—though, as with any etymology, you should take them with a grain of salt.

Image: Nick Stephenson

Meaning: Something easy to accomplish.

There are two competing theories for the origin of this idiom. One suggests it traces back to the 19th-century American South, where enslaved people participated in "cakewalk" competitions organized by slave owners. The best dancers would win a piece of cake, giving rise to the phrase.

Another theory credits American poet Ogden Nash, who used the phrase in a 1936 poem: "Her picture’s in the papers now, And life’s a piece of cake." Regardless of its exact origin, as with many etymologies, determining the truth behind this idiom is not exactly a piece of cake.

Image: Jo Lanta

Meaning: To reveal a secret.

This idiom may have roots in ancient Greek voting customs. People often cast their votes using beans placed in a vase—white beans for approval and black beans for disapproval. If the vase tipped over, it would literally "spill the beans," revealing the votes prematurely.

By the early 20th century, it was widely used in American English to mean uncovering something prematurely or accidentally. Interestingly, similar phrases exist in other languages. For instance, the German equivalent is "die Katze aus dem Sack lassen," meaning "let the cat out of the bag."

Image: Harshal S. Hirve

Meaning: To remain calm under pressure.

Cucumbers are around 95% water, which gives them a naturally cool temperature, even in warm weather. This unique property was first noted in the 18th century when people began using the phrase "cool as a cucumber" to describe someone who remains calm and collected.

The idiom became popular in both British and American English, reflecting the personal qualities of emotional control and composure.

Image: Andrew Konstantinov

Meaning: A person who leads a sedentary lifestyle.

The term "couch potato" was first coined in 1976 by Robert Armstrong, an American cartoonist who wanted to poke fun at people who spent excessive time sitting on the couch watching television, comparing their inactivity to a potato, which also remains stationary and inactive (it would be worrying if any vegetable didn’t, to be fair).

The phrase caught on rapidly, resonating with the rise of television culture during the late 20th century. Armstrong, recognizing its popularity, trademarked "couch potato" in 1979 and began selling related merchandise, including T-shirts, posters, and even a book titled The Official Couch Potato Handbook.

Image: Jason Tuinstra

Meaning: To view something skeptically.

This idiom's origins date back to ancient Rome. In 77 A.D., Pliny the Elder wrote that a grain of salt could neutralize any poison. In an ironic twist, the phrase soon became a metaphor for skepticism, suggesting that any potentially dangerous or dubious information should be handled carefully and with suspicion.

By the 1600s, the phrase had entered the English language and began to be widely used in literary circles.

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Meaning: To admit you’re wrong and apologize.

To "eat humble pie" comes from "umble pie," a dish in medieval England made from the less desirable parts of a deer, such as its heart, liver, and lungs. These were typically eaten by lower-class individuals, while the upper class enjoyed the more premium cuts.

By the 17th century, "umble pie" evolved into "humble pie," linking the idea of humility with the act of apology. Though few people still eat umble pie today, the idiom remains commonly used to describe situations where someone must accept defeat.

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Meaning: To flatter someone for personal gain.

This idiom originates from ancient India, where people would throw butter or clarified butter (ghee) at statues of their gods as a way to seek favor or blessings. The act of "buttering up" a deity was believed to increase one's chances of receiving divine assistance.

By the 1800s, the phrase was being used in British and American English to describe excessive flattery. Today, it carries a slightly negative connotation, suggesting that the flattery is insincere and intended to manipulate someone.

Image: Chris Lawton

Meaning: To harm or betray someone who helps you.

The imagery of this idiom is quite literal: a pet biting its owner, despite the care it receives. The expression has been traced back to writings from the early 1700s, where it was used to warn against ingratitude.

In various forms, the phrase appears in other languages, like in French, where it is said, "mordre la main qui te nourrit." It hints at a universal concept of loyalty and gratitude toward those who provide for you.

Image: Anita Jankovic

Meaning: To be upset over something that cannot be undone.

First recorded in 1659 by British historian James Howell, this idiom advises against grieving over irreversible events. Once milk is spilled, there's no way to recover it, making it pointless to dwell on. Over time, it evolved into a common piece of advice for dealing with mistakes or unfortunate events.

Interestingly, the phrase appears in many cultures with slight variations. For example, in Spain, the equivalent expression is "agua pasada no mueve molino," meaning "water past the mill doesn’t turn it." Both emphasize the futility of worrying about the past.

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Meaning: To earn a living or provide for a family.

While etymologists are unsure of the exact origin of this phrase, many suggest that the expression dates back to medieval England, where bacon was a popular prize in some village competitions.

However, the phrase gained more prominence in the 1900s when it was used to describe the responsibilities of the household breadwinner. "Bringing home the bacon" evolved to symbolize earning money to support one’s family.