Page 108 - How We Lead Matters

Looking Up

The Greeks, who had a wise saying for everything, said, “A people are known
by the heroes they crown.”
I believe that today we crown many heroes simply because of their good
fortune, their good looks, or the fact that they’ve enjoyed a good season or
two. We too often confuse “cool” with “courage” and in doing so incorrectly
instruct our youth and even ourselves about what is important.
When I see someone being crowned a hero in the modern-day public
square, I ask myself, “Is this someone I would want to host in my home?
Would I want my grandchildren to sit at their feet and learn from them?”
Conversely, I see society’s quiet heroes—teachers, police officers, enlis-
tees, public servants—and mentally crown them heroes, adding my vocal
and, when appropriate, financial support.
It would do us all some good to examine our own personal heroes: Why
have we chosen them, and what does it say about us? Even better would be
to discuss with our children and grandchildren who they have chosen as their
heroes and why. From this we will better understand them and glimpse the
future they will create for themselves.

Marilyn Carlson Nelson 91