Heroism: 2. Revolution and Pragmatism

Thomas Carlyle's On Heroes, Hero-Worship, and The Heroic in History is a series of six lectures exploring the influence of great individuals throughout history. Carlyle argues that history is shaped by 'heroes,' individuals who embody exceptional qualities and inspire others. He categorizes heroes into six types: divinity, prophet, poet, priest, man of letters, and king. The work reflects Carlyle's belief in the power of individual agency and the importance of strong leadership. While influential, Carlyle's hero-worship has been criticized for its potential to overlook social and historical contexts. The lectures remain a significant contribution to the study of history and leadership.

Middlemarch, written by George Eliot, is a novel that delves into the complexities of provincial life in 19th-century England. The story revolves around the intersecting lives of its characters, particularly Dorothea Brooke and Dr. Tertius Lydgate, as they navigate marriage, vocation, and social class. Eliot critiques the conventional romance narratives of her time by portraying marriage as a complex and often problematic institution. The novel also explores themes of idealism, self-interest, hypocrisy, and the constraints on women's lives. Set in the fictional town of Middlemarch between 1829 and 1832, the novel incorporates historical events such as the Great Reform Act of 1832 and early developments in medicine. Eliot's realistic portrayal of ordinary human life, with its quiet tragedies and small triumphs, has made 'Middlemarch' a masterpiece of English literature.

In 'Representative Men,' Ralph Waldo Emerson delivers a series of lectures and writings that examine the lives and principles of six significant historical figures. Emerson discusses Plato as the philosopher, Swedenborg as the mystic, Montaigne as the skeptic, Shakespeare as the poet, Napoleon as the man of the world, and Goethe as the writer. The book reflects Emerson's meditations on individual greatness and the everyday virtues of these 'Representative Men,' highlighting their impact on Western civilization and the collective human consciousness. Emerson's work contrasts with Thomas Carlyle's 'On Heroes, Hero-Worship, and the Heroic in History' by portraying great men as lenses through which people can see themselves, rather than as divinely gifted individuals above the common person.

Søren Kierkegaard's 'Fear and Trembling' is a philosophical exploration of faith and the ethical dilemmas it presents. The work centers on the biblical story of Abraham and Isaac, examining the conflict between ethical demands and religious faith. Kierkegaard argues that true faith requires a leap of faith, a suspension of ethical considerations in favor of absolute commitment to God. The book's profound insights into the nature of faith and the individual's relationship with God have had a lasting impact on religious thought and existentialism. Kierkegaard's work challenges readers to confront the complexities of faith and to grapple with the ultimate questions of existence.

The novel follows the adventures of Fabrice del Dongo, a young aristocrat and ardent admirer of Napoleon. It is set against the backdrop of the Napoleonic wars and the early 19th-century Italian political landscape. Fabrice fights at Waterloo, returns to Parma, joins the church for worldly advantage, and eventually retires to the Carthusian monastery of Parma. The story intertwines personal ambitions with the social ramifications of the Napoleonic wars, featuring complex court politics, romantic entanglements, and historical context. Stendhal's work is renowned for its sophisticated rendering of human psychology and its subtly drawn portraits of characters.

Set in France during the Bourbon Restoration, 'The Red and the Black' follows Julien Sorel, a young man from a humble background who seeks to rise through society using his intelligence and charm. The novel explores themes of ambition, love, and the societal pressures of the time. It is a satirical critique of French society and politics, reflecting Stendhal's own experiences and views on the era.