Heroes are never perfect. They're human beings, trapped (as we all are) in the folly and wickedness of their own times. What makes them heroes is that, in spite of that, they are able to see past the wretchedness of their moment, and take the first courageous steps toward something better.
Heroes are never perfect. They're human beings, trapped (as we all are) in the folly and wickedness of their own times. What makes them heroes is that, in spite of that, they are able to see past the wretchedness of their moment, and take the first courageous steps toward something better.
They will never entirely transcend it; that's usually left for later generations. But they build the gates through which those later generations will march toward progress.
The fact that they are able reach out over their own personal limitations to do this makes them more admirable, not less. Their achievements so remarkable precisely because they were so flawed -- but did bold things anyway.
Heroes are never perfect. They're human beings, trapped (as we all are) in the folly and wickedness of their own times. What makes them heroes is that, in spite of that, they are able to see past the wretchedness of their moment, and take the first courageous steps toward something better.
They will never entirely transcend it; that's usually left for later generations. But they build the gates through which those later generations will march toward progress.
The fact that they are able reach out over their own personal limitations to do this makes them more admirable, not less. Their achievements so remarkable precisely because they were so flawed -- but did bold things anyway.