The hottest Heroism Substack posts right now

Men often feel a deep, instinctive pull toward heroic action. That urge drives a lot of their attention to conflicts and crises.
Social media and live feeds let people follow military conflicts in near real time. That constant flow of information amplifies fascination and keeps attention fixed on the situation.
'Monitoring the situation' memes are a joking, self-aware way men describe this habit. The humor masks a sincere, long-standing behavior of watching and being ready to act.

History is not a linear journey of progress; it's complex and constantly changing.
Humans can transcend instinct and live with prescience and discipline.
Rejecting technological determinism, humans must enrich themselves to navigate and master history.

The phrase 'just' is used to diminish aspirations and heroes, promoting a sense of mediocrity and weakening the idea of heroism in modern society.
Current narratives often focus on highlighting the flaws of historical figures and heroes to degrade their legacy and virtues, rather than showcasing them as examples to be admired and followed.
The concept of 'just' contributes to a culture that belittles heroic actions, leading to a society that discourages bravery and valor, instead fostering a mentality of cynicism and self-deprecation.

Merely playing sports may not convey the full spectrum of virtue and spiritual experience sought; modern sports lack metaphysical significance and encounters with the transcendent.
Sport is a vehicle for developing essential virtue, such as discipline and hardiness, which underpin the pursuit of higher goals.
True sport is a fundamentally spiritual quest, calling for a connection between physicality and spirit, ultimately leading to transcending oneself through play, beauty, action, prayer, and devotion.

The movie Gladiator raises the question of whether it embodies Stoic principles.
Maximus's pursuit of revenge in Gladiator is seen as being non-Stoic due to his intense passion and anger.
The character of Maximus in Gladiator eventually evolves to embody more Stoic values, moving from a place of rage to fulfilling his duty.

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Words have a powerful influence on shaping individuals.
Aeneas' speech to Achilles in Iliad 20 showcases the dynamic nature of heroic speech and storytelling.
The encounter between Achilles and Aeneas highlights the complexities of heroism, lineage, and the power of narratives in shaping perspectives.

Sarpedon's speech in the Iliad emphasizes the importance of proving one's noble worth through deeds to earn fame and glory in the face of mortality.
The contrast between Sarpedon's wish for immortality and Hektor's desperate energy in the text highlights different attitudes towards facing death in battles.
The epic explores the complexity of heroism, questioning the values of fighting for personal gain and fame in the context of mortality and the reality of battle.

Book 20 of the Iliad brings out the themes of narrative traditions, the interactions between Gods and humans, and heroism.
Zeus in Book 20 shifts from being an internal audience to briefly shaping the narrative, showing his concerns for the consequences of actions beyond fate.
The pleasure Zeus takes in watching the narrative unfold hints at the vicarious experience of resolving suspense and the ending of a tale.

The Iliad presents interwoven themes like politics, heroism, gods and humans, family and friends, and narrative traditions.
In the Iliad, politics are explored through conflicts among Greeks, Trojans, and Gods, delving into questions of authority and consequences of dysfunctional politics.
Heroism in the Iliad is depicted through characters like Achilles and Hektor, exploring themes of strength, wisdom, and narrative patterns of withdrawal and return.

Sgt. William H. Carney was the first black American to receive the Medal of Honor for his bravery during the Civil War. He showed incredible courage by holding the American flag high, even when he was wounded.
Carney's actions during the Battle of Fort Wagner inspired his fellow soldiers and demonstrated his commitment to freedom and duty. He believed in not letting the flag touch the ground.
After the war, Carney continued to fight for civil rights and supported other veterans, showing that his dedication went beyond the battlefield.