Sharon McMahon, a former high school government teacher and the creator of @sharonsaysso, shares insights into the unsung heroes of American history in her new book, The Small and the Mighty. She emphasizes the importance of consistent action over fame, exploring hidden trailblazers and their contributions to democracy. The symbolism of the Statue of Liberty is discussed, along with the lasting impact of grassroots activism in shaping history. McMahon encourages listeners to recognize the power of ordinary individuals in influencing significant societal change.
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Meaningful Contributions
Contribute to society's fabric, like Ines Milholland's work for liberty.
Focus on making a difference, not achieving fame.
insights INSIGHT
Unsung Heroes
Many significant contributions are lost to history due to various reasons.
Their impact remains, regardless of recognition.
insights INSIGHT
Power of Belief
Believing you can't make a difference becomes a self-fulfilling prophecy.
While belief doesn't guarantee success, disbelief guarantees failure.
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“The people that history smiles most kindly upon, are the ones who just kept doing the next needed thing.” These words from Sharon McMahon remind us that making a difference is not accomplished through fame or fortune, but by taking consistent action. Sharon joins Ryan today to talk about the stories of hidden trail blazers, unknown symbolism in the Statue of Liberty, and the change-makers she chose to include in her new book The Small and the Mighty: Twelve Unsung Americans Who Changed the Course of History, from the Founding to the Civil Rights Movement.
After years as a high school government teacher, Sharon McMahon now runs the non-partisan, fact-based Instagram account @sharonsaysso. In her book The Small and the Mighty, Sharon proves that the most remarkable Americans are often ordinary people who didn’t make it into the textbooks.
The Daily Stoic 
