Correct quote from the Mighty Atom [PIC]

• Correct quote from the Mighty Atom [PIC]
  

  

  Validus

  
  

  I recently paraphrased from memory a passage from a book, about Joseph Greenstein (the Mighty Atom), in response to Fitzgarce's comment on the story of the teen who was set afire. For those who might be interested, here is the proper quote from the book, "The Mighty Atom: The Life and Times of Joseph L. Greenstein (Biography of a Superman)." This book is now out of print, and used copies are quite expensive and hard to come by. For some reason, when I read it years ago, I felt compelled to write down more than 30 pages worth of notes, and that little bundle of paper is now one of my most prized possessions. At some point, I will transcribe them into a typed document.

  Here, then, is the passage in question. The Atom's biographer was in the old man's inner city apartment, and had been shown a drawer-full of ruined knives and pistols...

  "In a changing urban environment, the old man was preyed upon by the muggers who stalk the helpless aged. There were mugging attempts made upon Joe Greenstein, each ending in near tragedy--for the muggers. Time and again, he disarmed them of their knives and pistols. He broke their bones. 'I wear a beard for two reasons,' he said, 'for religious purposes, and to tempt muggers. Most old people have to endure abuse, violence, and fear. I don't. Let them try to rob me. Let them try to pull my beard. I'll pull their arms out.'"

  Regarding his long hair, here is a snippet from earlier in the book...

  "Joe felt the need to set himself apart from other men in appearance as well as thought. He stopped going to the barber and let his hair grow long. It was a promise of a new reality that beckoned from a far horizon. The eccentricity became identity; he began to think of himself as Samson reborn."

  A fascinating man, and one well worth studying for anyone interested in exploring the concept of human potential.

  --Val

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  • Re: Correct quote from the Mighty Atom
    

    

    fitzgarce

    
    

    thanks for sharing that, Val. I think he was Sampson reborn. the disrespect, horror and fear that older people feel now because of the deaths of 3 older men in the last few months here is a crime by itself. I would wish that the next victim would have the strength of the Mighty Atom and put these heartless muggers in their place.

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  • Re: Correct quote from the Mighty Atom
    

    

    Ken in SF

    
    

    WOW, I have never heard of the Mighty Atom -- at what time in history did he live, and in what part of the world? I guess I'd better Google Joseph Greenstein's name and see if he's in Wikipedia!

    In any case, that's a really cool story about him, what a very impressive man!!

    Thanks for sharing this, Val, I enjoyed reading every bit of it!

    - Ken

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  • Re: Correct quote from the Mighty Atom
    

    

    Chris A

    
    

    Val,

    Thank you for this. I had never heard of Mr. Greenstein and he was truly remarkable. Related to his hair, did you see this on Wikipedia?

    "[Greenstein resisted] the pull of an airplane with his hair.[3] This feat was performed at the Buffalo Airport and was documented in the Buffalo Evening Times on September 29, 1928."

    Even his hair was super-strong!

    Thanks,
    Chris

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  • Re: Correct quote from the Mighty Atom
    

    

    Long Hair In Albany

    
    

    I recently paraphrased from memory a passage from a book, about Joseph Greenstein (the Mighty Atom), in response to Fitzgarce's comment on the story of the teen who was set afire. For those who might be interested, here is the proper quote from the book, "The Mighty Atom: The Life and Times of Joseph L. Greenstein (Biography of a Superman)." This book is now out of print, and used copies are quite expensive and hard to come by.

    One thing i would mention is that there are bookstores that
    have set it up so they can print "out of print" book on demand.

    Borders was in on this before they went out of business, but there
    are other bookstores that do it too.

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  • I own a copy of this book and is a great read indeed! n/t
    

    

    Duncan

    
    

    I recently paraphrased from memory a passage from a book, about Joseph Greenstein (the Mighty Atom), in response to Fitzgarce's comment on the story of the teen who was set afire. For those who might be interested, here is the proper quote from the book, "The Mighty Atom: The Life and Times of Joseph L. Greenstein (Biography of a Superman)." This book is now out of print, and used copies are quite expensive and hard to come by. For some reason, when I read it years ago, I felt compelled to write down more than 30 pages worth of notes, and that little bundle of paper is now one of my most prized possessions. At some point, I will transcribe them into a typed document.

    Here, then, is the passage in question. The Atom's biographer was in the old man's inner city apartment, and had been shown a drawer-full of ruined knives and pistols...

    "In a changing urban environment, the old man was preyed upon by the muggers who stalk the helpless aged. There were mugging attempts made upon Joe Greenstein, each ending in near tragedy--for the muggers. Time and again, he disarmed them of their knives and pistols. He broke their bones. 'I wear a beard for two reasons,' he said, 'for religious purposes, and to tempt muggers. Most old people have to endure abuse, violence, and fear. I don't. Let them try to rob me. Let them try to pull my beard. I'll pull their arms out.'"

    Regarding his long hair, here is a snippet from earlier in the book...

    "Joe felt the need to set himself apart from other men in appearance as well as thought. He stopped going to the barber and let his hair grow long. It was a promise of a new reality that beckoned from a far horizon. The eccentricity became identity; he began to think of himself as Samson reborn."

    A fascinating man, and one well worth studying for anyone interested in exploring the concept of human potential.

    --Val

    reply close reply form
  • Love it n/t
    

    

    Paulkmf

    
    

    "Joe felt the need to set himself apart from other men in appearance as well as thought. He stopped going to the barber and let his hair grow long. It was a promise of a new reality that beckoned from a far horizon. The eccentricity became identity; he began to think of himself as Samson reborn."

    reply close reply form