The Daily Dad

Tell Them of Cincinnatus

Mar 30, 2020

02:27

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Explore the story of Cincinnatus, a Roman general who inspired George Washington. Learn why teaching children legends and myths is important in shaping their values and aspirations.

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Quick takeaways

Legends and myths, regardless of their factual accuracy, have the power to shape lives and inspire courage.

The absence of inspiring narratives and an understanding of past heroism leads to a world devoid of courage and inspiration, making it crucial to reintroduce children to the legends and myths of the past to provide them with role models and teach them about greatness.

Deep dives

The power of legends and myths

Legends and myths have the power to shape lives and inspire courage. Despite their factual accuracy, stories like that of Cincinnati's and George Washington and the cherry tree have had a profound impact on individuals and even the nations they belong to. In today's world, where irony and nihilism seem to prevail, it is essential to reintroduce these stories to children, teaching them about greatness, courage, and giving them someone to look up to.

The Importance of Teaching Legends and Myths

2min

Do you know the story of Cincinnatus? He was a Roman general who had retired to his farm until he was called to rescue his country from an invasion. Made dictator in these desperate times, he had unlimited power, which he used to save the empire… only to immediately relinquish the power and return to his farm.

Is the story true? Does it matter? George Washington knew this story—it was almost certainly read to him as a boy—and modeled his life on it. From this legend came real history—it shaped Washington’s life and the life of the country he helped found.

The same goes for the story of Washington and the cherry tree. Is it true? Probably not. But for generations, children were taught this story and it shaped real lives and the country they lived in.

Today, we don’t tell these stories enough. Children’s books are all about robots and talking dogs. Or they are preposterously inappropriate totems for parents to virtue signal with (who thought this book was a good idea?) History books as kids get older are all about facts, they’re all about punching holes in things, in showing how the heroes of the past were all racists and hypocrites.

And then we wonder why we live in a world devoid of courage. Where irony reigns and inspiration is replaced by nihilism. Of course these things are gone. There is only one way to get them back: By telling your children of Cincinnatus. Teach them the legends and myths of the past. Show them what greatness looks like, even if it’s through the haze of hagiography. Give them someone to look up to.

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