What makes each of these men heroic?
Arguably, Socrates and Achilles form part of the ancient history well known for fictional and real heroic characters, especially for those who want to explore the impacts and relevance of heroism in real life. The concept of heroism forms part of the central theme in mythology, and life philosophies. For example, Achilles depicts the real concept of a catastrophic hero (Hobbs, 2006).
Numerous aspects show the heroism between the Achilles and Socrates. Achilles was able to reverse and change his downfall and prove to other heroes and him that he was a true hero. Achilles was known to be immortal and invisible; when he was at his young age, his mother immortalized him by dipping in the River Styx, as she holds him in the heels. Achilles was courageous individual who could go to war without fear (Michelakis, 2007).
In fact, Achilles was a hero because he always stood for his rights, for example, he stood against Agamemnon, who was the leader of the Greek army at that time. He was guided by wisdom/Athena, to do the right thing, especially in war. He made decisions based on wisdom, rather than joining the war because of insults. He was the best warrior, who without his leadership the entire group would lose the battle (Hobbs, 2006). He was also admirable than any other average person in society, additionally he had the fatal flaw that lead him to his own undoing. Furthermore, in times of war, he could not be defeated conventionally; he possessed exceptional stamina, resistance, strength as well as invulnerable (Michelakis, 2007).
Socrates too was made a hero in different ways. He was a military hero, who served in times of war. His dead, causes of dead, and other surrounding events made him a hero. He was always the man of the people; repeatedly embarrassing political figures in the presence of the public, yet still the young men followed his ideologies (Waerdt, 1994). Additionally, Socrates disagreed with peoples decisions, but always believed that law and order should prevail. He was a hero because he would not flee, and always stayed steadfast to his teachings. His intelligence on how he argued and handled situations made be a hero. Furthermore, just like the Achilles, Socrates was courageous; remaining fully certain, that he better dies that going against his beliefs. Socrates and Achilles, possessed heroic ideologies, they were stubborn, willing to die for their believes, both straying from the societal norms. He Socrates took the risk and challenged the manmade authority of the time for a higher authority of gods (Hobbs, 2006).
What motives drive each of these men to act in the way they do?
The actions of Socrates and Achilles were driven by different motives in their life. Both were driven by believe to popularize, and make public their ideologies. Socrates was focused towards the real love, which he believed was the love of finest and beautiful things. They were motivated by the urge to attain success and happiness in life. Another driving motive was the search for honor and glory though the concept of immortality.
Perhaps, Achilles and Socrates acted with courage in their lives because they were driven by the believe of super powers from gods, as well as ideologies on immortality. In fact, they both believed to be masculine and powerful; hence, they fought for fame and leadership (Waerdt, 1994)
In what way do heroes teach us how to live?
Undoubtedly, Socrates and Achilles are two prominent and influential heroes who have taught us how to live. They have both produced tremendous positive effects on how to live. From their heroic characters, individuals have learned the relevance of a spiritual nature and human physical characters. From their ideologies, they demonstrate the importance of law and order in the society, depicting it as necessary and fundamental (Hobbs, 2006).
Based on the lives of Achilles and Socrates, it is clear that individuals should be courageous in their lives, especially in fighting for what they believe. Furthermore, for a community to be successful in times of war, they should have a leader to lead them through the fight. Additionally, individual has learned to respect the authorities, as well as adoring their supernatural. Immortality is just a myth, but in real life situation, no one is immortal, infact in the long run we will die. Despite the fact that dead is a reality in human life, we must always struggle to achieve how goals in life, even if it means dying for it.
References
Hobbs, A. (2006). Plato and the Hero: Courage, Manliness, and the Impersonal Good.
Cambridge: Cambridge University.
Waerdt, V. (1994). The Socratic Movement. London: Cornell University Press.
Michelakis, P. (2007). Achilles in Greek Tragedy. New York: Wiley.
