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Do democracies need heroes?

Yes, according to German philosopher Dieter Thomä in his new book.
Quote: "Heroes face danger. - Heroes dedicate themselves to something bigger than themselves. - We look up to heroes." -
In that case Osama bin Laden was also a hero, as long as the "we" consists of fundamentalist Muslims.

The core or DNA of a democracy are functioning democratic institutions: Parliaments, local councils, courts, police, free press... who do their work professionally and non-corruptly.

What is the difference between Switzerland and Afghanistan? Certainly not that there are more heroes in Switzerland (the only Swiss hero - William Tell - is a mythical figure from the Middle Ages!). In order for democratic institutions to thrive, there is no need for heroes, only committed citizens, people who identify with their community.

A democracy only needs heroes when it is (almost) too late, when these institutions no longer function because they have been hijacked by antidemocrats (the journalists in Turkey or Russia are such heroes).

To claim that democracy is so malfunctioning that we need heroes again is nothing but scaremongering. As long as there are enough committed citizens, heroes are rather counterproductive, since they often function only as figureheads for certain groups, milieus and so-called neo-communities within society, and thus rather promote the division of society.

Matias 8 Dec 2
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The hero culture is engrained in the psyche and representative of an ideal of the culture.

Thor, St George, Ned Kelly are all rallying points for cultures. Different heroes for different reasons. The pantheon is here!

Heroes are essential for expressing national or cultural solidarity.

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I agree. The worshiping of heroes does not seem like a hallmark of democracy. What is needed for democracy is an individualistic, educated electorate. Good leaders are needed but if they become worshiped they might become tyrants.

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There's a saying that goes something like '20% of people are negative about everything, 20% positive and 60% open to suggestion'. I think charismatic leaders carry the day because they get the majority enthused enough to do something different.

My favourite hero of this type is Jordan Peterson because he motivates people to clean up their own act first, then extend that sense of responsibility out to the world they live in to help change it for the better.

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