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Heroism in Philosophy

Even Hegel says that heroes possess an individual and free determination, that brings about the accomplishment of justice and morality. Indeed, the hero rejects exterior agencies to the extent where even if his actions do not come from his own will. Hegel gives the example of Oedipus, who would have not intended to accomplish such sinful acts, had he know the nature of them, he still takes the blame upon himself. Still, the Hegelian hero is only the instrument of the ideal that gives him his heroic traits. His fate is determined by the ideal that allows him to become a hero. He has no other options than become one, as the ideal, "must take action," must, "carry out what is inside of itself," and the hero has no choice but to act according to it. This is in contrast with Bergson's hero, who initially makes his own decision by driving his principles from aspiration. Heroism is not innate according to Bergson, it only becomes obligatory when one chooses to rely on aspiration and to free his soul.
             Hannah Ardent presents the antique perception of labour, which is highly negative, regarding activities that only serve to sustain life and supply for the fundamental necessities of the body as slavish, degrading and those who engaged is such labouring as, "something akin to a tamed animal." The fact that heroes choose to work. H. Ardent gives the example of Odysseus who helps building houses, in spite of this indicates that they are not influenced by the principles of the community around them and the way they conduct themselves is totally independent from their surroundings. They make their own decisions, establish their own principles and morality, thus in this case again, they are not led by something beyond them. On the other hand, in the modern era where there has been a complete reversal of values and labour is glorified, "as the source of all values," one might feel pressured into being more and more productive, becoming a hero of labour by default.


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2. The Adventures of Huckleberry Finn vs. One Flew Over the Cuc

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3. The Hobbit

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4. Overview of To Kill a Mockingbird

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6. Ancient History

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7. E.E Cummings

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8. Greek ancient mythology

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9. Hellenic Contribution

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