Actually, Greenspan is known as being very charming, persuasive and interesting. One doesn't have a career like his without being a master of persuasion. J For me, at least, he has never come across that way on a TV screen--and I'm not speaking of his appearances before Congress. How do you know these are "essential"? I'm including "leader" in my question. --Brant I suppose there may be an exception or two, but all great social movements of the past were spearheaded by a leader who was charismatic and resolute in purpose. Love them or hate them, they include Jesus, Martin Luther, Cromwell, Napoleon, Lenin, and M.L. King. The American Revolution is a perfect illustration of the key role that persuasive leaders play in changing the course of history.