Heroes Are Artists Who Strive for Moral Beauty
Words of wisdom from American poet Walt Whitman: “I think of few heroic actions, which cannot be traced to the artistical impulse. He who does great deeds, does them from his innate sensitiveness to moral beauty.”
Sign up for the Smarter Faster newsletter
A weekly newsletter featuring the biggest ideas from the smartest people
What makes a hero? What drives heroic acts? To American poet Walt Whitman (1819-1892), heroes are like artists in that they strive for beauty. But while a poet works with words and musicians with tones, heroes use great deeds and moral action to bring beauty in the world.
It’s a poet’s perspective for sure, but Whitman’s words paint a vivid portrait of the heroic core:
“I think of few heroic actions, which cannot be traced to the artistical impulse. He who does great deeds, does them from his innate sensitiveness to moral beauty.”
Sign up for the Smarter Faster newsletter
A weekly newsletter featuring the biggest ideas from the smartest people
