0:00
/
0:00
Transcript

105. The Archetype of the Hero Past and Present

My recent piece on the "Hero Myth" received some pushback from Stephen Pimentel and Joe Holland. I invited them on to discuss the topic.

Prior to writing my recent piece on the “Hero Myth” I bounced some ideas around of the participants in a group chat dedicated to the scholarship of the Greek and Latin classics as well as the “Great Books.” This generated enough pushback and discussion that I thought it might benefit my readers and audience to have a discussion with Stephen and Joe, exploring the content of the Hero Myth and why they feel it has value in today’s context. Because my piece was written before recording, it also allowed me to develop the “Steward” archetype further and how we might present that alternative to a society that is predisposed to the Hero Myth and resistant to the symbol of the Steward. I think you will enjoy this discussion.

Seeking the Hidden Thing
Now Is Not the Time for Heroes
Core philosophical presuppositions matter. They matter far more than most people realize. Much of what makes philosophy both annoying and valuable is that much of its inquiries involve noticing and pointing out to people the underlying assumptions that drive their lives. Much of why you do things are driven by core societal “myths” — not as in “made up stories” but more “the core symbols of power.” These myths are often aspirational. They also define and set the framework within which certain actions are encouraged and certain ones are discouraged. These myths work for a society, they endure over time, inspiring and driving the actions of the members of the community, until they lose their efficacy. Our society is breaking down, and with it the myths that hold it together and drive its actions. It serves us well to surface these myths, examine them and then decide whether or not we are better served by leaning into them anew — get back to the basics of who we are — or actively setting them aside to chart new paths, allowing new myths to emerge and drive us…
Read more

Seeking the Hidden Thing is a reader-supported publication. To receive new posts and support my work, consider becoming a free or paid subscriber.

Discussion about this video