“The hero’s will is not that of his ancestors nor of his society, but his own. This will to be oneself is heroism. Life is a desperate struggle to be in fact what we are in design.” –José Ortega Y. Gasset
There has always been spin. In the 1800s, dime novelist Ned Buntline knew about it. Buffalo Bill Cody knew about it and so did Barnum. Now, we have the evening news, “Entertainment Tonight” and the Internet to keep spin spinning.
Quite often, we are told who are heroes are by one spin doctor or another. Then, because of the notoriety, both real and fabricated heroes need spin doctors of their own to handle the barrage of photographers and reporters and every day folks camped out in their yards.
How nice it would be if we could live our lives with less noise doing that which makes us ourselves and noting, of our own free will and a friendly comment, others doing likewise.
Cody and Barnum, indeed. (One of the guys at one of my daughter’s recent auditions did Barnum’s “sucker born every minute” monologues, very funny.)
based on what you have written here, I certainly see my son as a hero. he is doing what he sees as being “himself” and has always been that way. and no, he didn’t hire me for his spin weaver
That “sucker” monologue should have been a real hoot. Your son is a hero in part because you taught him well and allowed him to find his path.
Malcolm
I’ve been looking for that monologue online but can’t find it. of course, I was one of the only ones laughing out loud. It was FUNNY!
my son really is a hero, now I am anxious for him to know it for himself! (and thanks for the nice words!)