Quote by Arthur M. Schlesinger, Jr.
To say that there is a case for heroes is not to say that there is a case for hero worship. The surrender of decision, the unquestioning submission to leadership, the prostration of the average man before the Great Man -- these are the diseases of heroism, and they are fatal to human dignity. History amply shows that it is possible to have heroes without turning them into gods. And history shows, too, that when a society, in flight from hero worship, decides to do without great men at all, it gets into troubles of its own.
Summary
This quote highlights the distinction between admiring heroes and blindly worshipping them. It argues that while heroes should be acknowledged and celebrated for their exceptional qualities or achievements, idolizing them blindly leads to surrendering one's own decision-making abilities, unquestioningly deferring to their leadership, and losing one's sense of individual dignity. The quote contends that throughout history, societies have managed to honor heroes without deifying them, emphasizing the importance of striking a balance. It also suggests that disregarding great men entirely can have negative consequences, implying that there is value in recognizing exceptional individuals while maintaining critical thinking and individual autonomy.
Topics
Heroes/heroism
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