Your post has well-chosen Superheros and clear reasons to emulate. I can't help but wonder if the Loony Toons Wile E. Coyote is an exemplar of Stoic virtues. His entire adult life was devoted to catching the Roadrunner. He failed every time, often injured or killed by his own traps. And, yet, with clear-eyed singularity of mind, he'd return. Courage, Self Control, Justice (in a coyote sense of fairness) and Integrity -- Wile E Coyote never stopped reaching for the unattainable.
Haha! Love the thinking behind this, David. I'm not super familiar with his character. Though from your description I don't see that much practical wisdom, which is one of the big 4. What do you think?
You’re right about an apparent lack of practical wisdom. Being practical or being advised to be practical can be a slippery slope. Many a great accomplishment happened in spite of being told by well meaning friends/parents/colleagues that THAT person’s effort toward getting the feat done wasn’t a practical use of time and resources. How many great accomplishments or boons have been set aside in the name of practicality?
Such inspiring and courageous superheros! And such excellent analysis and writing!
Thanks, Ann! Glad you liked the article. I also included links 2 podcasts where I talk about Stockdale and Diogenes. :)
Thank you, Jon - I’ll listen!
Marcus Aurelius remains a hero among heroes. “The best way of avenging yourself is not to become like the wrongdoer.” Meditations, Bk VI, 6.
Your post has well-chosen Superheros and clear reasons to emulate. I can't help but wonder if the Loony Toons Wile E. Coyote is an exemplar of Stoic virtues. His entire adult life was devoted to catching the Roadrunner. He failed every time, often injured or killed by his own traps. And, yet, with clear-eyed singularity of mind, he'd return. Courage, Self Control, Justice (in a coyote sense of fairness) and Integrity -- Wile E Coyote never stopped reaching for the unattainable.
Haha! Love the thinking behind this, David. I'm not super familiar with his character. Though from your description I don't see that much practical wisdom, which is one of the big 4. What do you think?
You’re right about an apparent lack of practical wisdom. Being practical or being advised to be practical can be a slippery slope. Many a great accomplishment happened in spite of being told by well meaning friends/parents/colleagues that THAT person’s effort toward getting the feat done wasn’t a practical use of time and resources. How many great accomplishments or boons have been set aside in the name of practicality?