The Importance of Heroes and Art in Society according to Rousseau

The chapter discusses Rousseau's views on the significance of heroes in politics, emphasizing their role as models for citizens to follow and their impact on forming the community's structure and values. It explores the concept of imitative exemplars and the strength of soul gained through hero imitation, with examples like Brutus driving Tarkin out. The conversation also delves into the role of art in shaping societal values, contrasting hydraulic art that serves as an emotional outlet with formative art that molds individuals and the challenges of creating heroic narratives in modern societies.