Many of the greatest people in history have turned failure into success, they turned hardship into inspiration, and they turned loss into generosity. One example of this is Theodore Roosevelt, whom I wrote about here.
There is often a false notion that successful people got to where they are because they had it easy and everything was laid out for them. But as one studies history, as I often encourage young people to do, one finds that people’s lives are so much richer than that, and that many of the greatest figures in history had to overcome tremendous hardships.
It’s beautiful to reflect on their stories, and to know that we are not alone in our pain and in our setbacks, and that these do not determine our future. But more beautiful still is the idea that, if the next generation can learn from these historical greats, perhaps more such people can be nurtured along the way: vanquishers of the worst of odds, and creators of some of the greatest and most holiest works known to man.
For while people like Beethoven and Einstein, for example, may feel like names from the distant past, they were someone’s contemporaries, after all.
As I share Beethoven’s and others’ stories in future columns, we would do well to remember that someone who can inspire us isn’t necessarily perfect. Only God is perfect. But that does not mean that, as mortals ourselves, we cannot draw valuable lessons from these figures and apply these lessons to our lives.
And as we know, many of us Americans could use a little more grit and a little more resilience. Exemplary figures, even with their flaws, can help us along the way.
And with that, let us look at the incredible life and struggles of Ludwig Van Beethoven.
Alcoholic Father
Beethoven’s early life was marred by the tumultuous relationship he shared with his father, Johann van Beethoven. An alcoholic and mediocre singer and musician, Johann recognized the exceptional talent in his son but mistreated him. The volatile nature of Johann’s character and his struggles with alcohol cast a long shadow over Ludwig’s formative years.His father was often found drunk in gutters, and the children of the family had to convince the police not to cart dad off to jail. Due to his father’s state and the loss of his mother, Ludwig had to take on the role of family caretaker and breadwinner.
However, the upside is that, the tumultuous home life, coupled with financial instability, fueled Beethoven’s determination to rise above his circumstances. The constant tension and familial discord shaped his character, fostering a resilience that would serve him well in the face of the hardships yet to come.
Gradual Onset of Deafness
By the age of 20, Beethoven was considered one of the greatest pianists of his time. In those days, even if one became a composer, he was expected to also be a performer, as performing was one way in which to introduce one’s new works. (No Spotify available.)This made the next difficult chapter in Beethoven’s life even more tragic. As he entered his late 20s, the haunting specter of deafness gradually descended upon him. Around the age of 28, the maestro noticed a disconcerting ringing in his ears, a precursor to the onset of hearing loss. Despite this, Beethoven continued to compose with an unyielding passion, oblivious to the looming silence that awaited him.
As his auditory world grew quieter, Beethoven grappled with the realization that the melodic symphonies that once danced in his ears were slowly slipping away. The vibrant sounds of life were replaced by a desolate void, leaving him isolated in a silent realm that only he could comprehend. The frustration and despair he felt were palpable in the heart-wrenching letters he wrote during this period.
Yet, remarkably, Beethoven did not succumb to the oppressive silence that enveloped him. Instead, he adapted and became even more productive. While, by age 45, he could no longer hear music with his hears, gratefully he could still hear music in his head—remember that music can be “read” and can thus be composed even by someone who has lost the capacity to hear.
Harnessing the Hardships
Despite the hardships that would have crippled many, Beethoven’s creative spirit soared. His compositions, characterized by emotional depth and innovation, include some of the most enduring pieces in the classical music repertoire. The Ninth Symphony, with its triumphant “Ode to Joy,” serves as a testament to Beethoven’s indomitable spirit and his belief in the power of art to elevate the human experience.In facing both the loneliness and tragedy of deafness, as well as the discord and financial challenges within his family, Beethoven emerged not as a victim of circumstance, but as a triumphant creator. And these were by no means his only trials. He suffered chronic diarrhea, liver disease, and depression. It is truly difficult to imagine all that he endured.
Beethoven’s ability to transmute personal anguish into timeless masterpieces is a testament to the extraordinary strength of his character. He turned the lemons of his life into the most glorious, thirst-quenching, soul-stirring elixirs, inspiring generations.
