the phenomenon of charisma

[Guest guest]

Dear List:

 

I would very much like to get some animated and interesting discussion from

this post.

 

I would like to hear the thoughts and reflections of the listmembers on the

phenomenon of charisma. I am very specific in what I am referring to in that

regard. I find the subject fascinating and would hope that some light may be

shed on it by this list.

 

I'm sure that many of us have come in contact with individuals that seem to

emanate a " magnetism " or " energy " that is highly attractive in nature to others.

History is full of examples of such people: Alexander the Great, Caesar, and

Napoleon are said to have been these types. I am acquainted with at least two

individuals that have met former President Bill Clinton, and the reports of

their meetings were virtually the same: he had this incredible " magnetic

presence " that was definitely physical in its effect. Although the woman I know

(who met Mr. Clinton) mentioned that he seemed " highly sexual " , the man was not

oriented in that way, but still felt a dynamism and a personal attraction. I

have no doubt that it is a very real phenomenon, for I have members in my own

family who had this same sort of effect. The most notable, my Dad, is now

deceased, but I doubt that he would be able to explain what he did or if he was

even conscious of what was happening.

 

What is this phenomenon? Is it purely " charisma " (the etymology of the word

is ancient Greek and literally means " graced by the gods " --in other words, that

this is something innate) or is this an energetic phenomenon of some sort. If

it is something that can be cultivated, how can that be done?

 

I look forward to all thoughtful replies.

 

Dan