Another towering political figure has passed away. Only months within the passing of Gough Whitlam, Malcolm Fraser, he who usurped power in an extraordinary political coup in November 1975, has gone.

The Fraser Government - a lightning rod for all my youthful discontent - began in controversial circumstances. Not everyone would describe the events of that time as a coup, though some elements, such as the dismissal of a government by an unelected official, the secrecy, rumour and odd coincidences do add grist to that mill.

It seems likely now that Fraser was as surprised as Whitlam by the turn of events, and, nothwithstanding the Opposition's blocking of the supply bills in the Senate which precipitated the crisis, we may be able to view events more soberly.

In fact, the rehabilitation of Fraser since leaving power has been remarkable. His humanitarian efforts and apparent lurch to the left on most issues have made him a kind of darling of progressives, this underlined by his resignation from the Liberal Party.

So goodbye Malcolm Fraser, 22nd Prime Minister of the Commonwealth of Australia. In the photo below, three Prime Ministers, with Fraser on the left.

Advice To My 16 Year Old Self

You don't have to be liked by everyone. Sure, it's nice to be liked and there is nothing wrong with seeking good relations wherever you go. But wanting to be liked by all means having to please everyone. And you can't please everyone, even if it was desirable.

Some people will not like you. Some will respond to generosity and warmth with coldness, indifference or cynicism. But that is not your fault. The problem is entirely of their own making.

So don't seek approval everywhere you go. By all means be yourself and be kind and generous. But you can never expect back what you give, so let that gift go without ever seeking a return. And you may discover, a kind of freedom and happiness, that cannot be thwarted.