Johnathan Bi Selfish Heroes Make Great Leaders | Christopher Kelly on Rousseau
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Jun 21, 2024 
Christopher Kelly, an expert on Jean-Jacques Rousseau's philosophy, discusses the importance of heroes in society, the evolution of language, and the role of compassion in community-building. The conversation explores Rousseau's views on heroism, the impact of heroes on public discourse, and the challenges of creating heroic narratives in modern societies.
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Heroes' Role in Community
- Heroes are fundamental to community building, not just ornaments.
- Shared identification with heroes fosters unity and shared values.
Rousseau's Heroes
- Rousseau's heroes are primarily political leaders performing great actions for the community.
- Strength of soul, not traditional virtues, defines a hero, enabling independence from fortune.
Strength of Soul & Virtue
- Strength of soul is a source and supplement of virtue, a precondition rather than its essence.
- Weakness breeds dependency, manipulation, and various vices.