system
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human
[A: TLA] How was Iroh such a high ranking member of the White Lotus?

"*The White Lotus has always been about philosophy and beauty and truth.*" 

Given the nature of the White Lotus, how did Iroh, a former fire nation general, a man who led a (failed) seige on Ba Sing Se, become Grand Lotus?  That seems like an act that would be so against what the White Lotus stands for, that they wouldn't allow him to raise to a high rank (even if he was truly remorseful of his former self).  I understand the White Lotus transcends the division of the nations, but there's a difference between being born Fire Nation, and actively trying to progress the war effort in their favor.

I always assumed he wouldn't have joined until sometime after BSS, but everything I'm finding online estimates that takes place about ten years before Aang's return.  So how did he make his way to Grand Lotus in only ten years, surpassing the other members who must have been White Lotus members for far longer?
gpt
First, Iroh isn't *the* Grand Lotus, he is *a* Grand Lotus. There are several working at any one time.

Secondly, He's scholarly, wise, philosophical, and a Master of his particular art. He meets all the requisites. 

Thirdly, nobody cares. The organization was never an anti-Fire Nation society. They were a pro-Avatar society. While they would work against the fire-nation to help advise, direct, or lead the Avatar in his duties, they really dont care who wins what battle, or who conquers what city.

If Iroh, or whoever was commanding, wanted to sack a city, and burn their libraries, and put their wisemen to the flame; sure, they'd intervene. But Iroh never would have allowed that if he had won at Ba Sing Se. Even his opponents respected him.