An Age of Heroes Initiative

'The Choice of Hercules' is a tale that was preserved by Xenophon in Book II of his Memorabilia of Socrates, which you can read via the Menu link to the right.  It greatly inspired the early Stoics and it serves as one of my life's guiding myths. 

Destiny Quest

In summary: Before the Theban Hercules started his Mythic Career he took some time to contemplate his future course of action.

While he thought things through, he was approached by two imposing female personages, Arete and Kakia.

Kakia promised him an easy path, filled with life's greatest distractions but devoid of all sense of personal responsibility or social conscience.  

Arete promised a path full of uncertainty and hardship. She offered him a difficult future that fully embraced personal and social responsibility and demanded unceasing action, even when no reward was promised and no relief was in sight.

Though no doubt tempted by Kakia, Hercules knew that life's greatest attainments were reached by discovering, cultivating and sharing one's unique gifts toward the betterment of all. He embraced his Best Destiny and freely chose the path of Arete. His many adventures immortalized him in human memory and earned him a place on Olympus.

Though Arete is usually translated as Virtue, it actually means Personal Excellence. And though Kakia is said to have tempted Hercules as Vice, she actually tried selling him the option of reaping unearned benefits through the exploitation of others.

Though 'The Choice of Hercules' is told as a one-time event in Hercules' eventful life, in truth we are always at a crossroads and always confronted with key choices that determine our Destiny.

In honor of Thebes' greatest hero I resolved to choose my future courses of action as wisely as my deepest insights and highest perspectives allowed. I would forever strive for Personal Excellence by discovering, cultivating and sharing my own unique gifts toward the betterment of all. 

The Choice of Hercules

Larger Than Life Living in the World Today

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