Article: UNSUNG HEROES OF OUR DAY
UNSUNG HEROES OF OUR DAY
In our world of big names, curiously, our true heroes tend to be anonymous. In this life of illusion and quasi-illusion, the person with solid virtues who can be admired for something more substantial than his well-knownness often proves to be the unsung hero: the teacher, the nurse, the mother, the honest cop, the hard worker at lonely, underpaid, unglamorous, unpublicized jobs. - Daniel J Boorstin, historian (1 Oct 1914-2004)
In our era of information saturation, the unsung hero of our day remains firm in their countenance in spite of the perpetual information exchange. The unsung hero to quote 'Desiderata' is interested in his "...own career, however humble; as it is a real possession in the changing fortunes of time." The unsung hero, the person of substance, has wisdom.
In our era of information saturation, the unsung hero of our day remains firm in their countenance in spite of the perpetual information exchange. The unsung hero to quote 'Desiderata' is interested in his "...own career, however humble; as it is a real possession in the changing fortunes of time." The unsung hero, the person of substance, has wisdom.
In an era of such information density, clarity is increasingly scarce. Such an abundance of information impacts our ability to reflect and think clearly. We are often swept up by the speed of information exchange and before we have checked the facts or read the small print, we've bought the product and we're evangelising the benefits to our friends. Often the catalysts of this information exchange are those we know as 'influencers' or celebrities. Perhaps we have mistaken wisdom for influence?
Wisdom for me is recognising the limits of my own certainty, while seeking truth through lived experience and considering the long-term consequences of my choices.
Wisdom for me is recognising the limits of my own certainty, while seeking truth through lived experience and considering the long-term consequences of my choices.
There is no better conduit to wisdom than our own body. Is there any better way to humble ourselves than to attempt a 400m sprint and realise halfway around the track that jogging is the only way you'll finish the lap. Is there any better way to be reminded of our own fallibility than to wake up on a wet Monday morning in winter and think twice before putting on our running shoes. Humility teaches wisdom.
The unsung REAL heroes are not chasing validation nor recognition, but possess a wholesome discipline for continual self-improvement through physical movement. Endurance, willpower and courage are REAL virtues. Reputation does not grant the unsung hero victory in their next session, the physical battle has always to be repeated, whether weekly or daily, by choice. And through every conquest mental strength and self-reliance accumulates.
Ultimately the unsung hero controls what is within his power to control. They are not swayed by loud voices, they do not compare themselves with others and they enjoy their own plans.
REAL life is full of heroism.
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