Who are your heroes?

[Milneman]

So, your top five...and reasons why if you're so inclined. :)

[Peace&Love]

1.Simon Parkes
2.Billy Ryan & Kerry Cassidy (Both tremendous contribution to Humanity)
3.Miles Johnston
4.Alex Collier
5.The Anonymous Good Doer from on and/or off worlds where ever they are

[boja]

I don't have any.

I look UP to nobody.

Similarly, I look DOWN on nobody.

[mosquito]

Well, I prefer to be my own hero, though not a very good one !! The top 5 people I most admire would be, in no particular order :

Che Guevarra - saw the injustices heaped upon the people of his continent and did something about it, sacrificing his career as a doctor.
Peng De Huai - Chinese revolutionary. When he was 10, he was rude to a teacher, causing his family to "lose face", so his grandmother sentenced him to death. Yes, you didn't misread that - he was sentenced to death my his grandmother ! He was rescued by an uncle and eventually became a key figure in the Chinese revolution. He was a serious critic of Mao's policies post-revolution, and was imprisoned.
Martin Luther King - shouldn't need explanation.
David Icke - Tells the truth as he sees it, isn't afraid of ridicule or of rocking the boat. Probably done more than anyone else to help humanity wake up.
Nelson Mandela - managed to come out of a 25 year prison stretch without a chip on his shoulder, and oversaw a peaceful transition in South Africa, when everyone was expecting a blood bath. What happened subsequently is not his doing.

Hmm, they're all revolutionaries in some degree or other !!

[markpierre]

Jesus Christ ..... Took on the worst job I can imagine.
Richard Brautigan ..... Taught me that words are a playground.
Bruce Springsteen .... Located my heart for me and wouldn't let me lose it. We're tougher than the rest.
My Father .......... The most honest man I've ever known.
My brother ......... The kindest, most thoughtful man I've ever known.

[Wind]

I wouldn't really want to place anyone "above" others, but I must admit that there are people who have influenced me greatly and I do admire them for their wisdom and courage. I left Jesus and Buddha out of the list for certain reasons, but I could give so many other names too!

Alan Watts - His thoughts have helped me to understand this reality.
John Lennon - Made great music, was a dreamer and not the only one.
Eckhart Tolle - Helped me to understand that I am awareness behind my thoughts.
Graham Hancock - Inpspiring investigative writer with a great mind and a big heart.
Mahatma Gandhi - He proved that nonviolent protests and love can and will change this world.

[Chester]

So, your top five...and reasons why if you're so inclined. :)

My wife, Cristina... for a whole book full of reasons but most of all, she trusts me to be open/honest with me about her deepest, darkest secrets.

My three sons - each for their own specific reasons -

Stephen - because he constantly reminds me - "Its all good, Dad."

Reid - because he has a truly big heart yet also has that fight for what is right energy.

Dylan - for his discipline, consistency and goal achievement.

My Dad - who loved me totally unconditionally.

[Deega]

Heroes are the responsible mothers, fathers, bringing life to Earth!

And then figuratively, the elements that allows me to live, all living things on Earth, the AIR that I breath, the pure water that I drink, the Sun with his heat/energy, the Aether withholding our every moves , the light for healing, etc. These are all unconditional love expression for us all, can't find any better heroes than that!

And finally, the people who take risks for the betterment of others.

[GloriousPoetry]

All mothers on earth who raise children on their own.....my mother who I never saw her strength until now in my 40s when I see life through a wider lens....

Being a woman on earth is not easy.....becoming a mother triples that experience.........not to lessen the task some single fathers take on however it's a given that women are the ones who take on most of the raising and rearing of children. When a man takes on that responsibility it's a huge deal but when a women takes it on...it's just a given.....

[Chester]

All mothers on earth who raise children on their own.....my mother who I never saw her strength until now in my 40s when I see life through a wider lens....

Being a woman on earth is not easy.....being a mother triples that experience.........

How about fathers who raised their children on their own?

My children's mother abandoned her sons when they were 4, 6 and 8 years old and I raised them on my own.

As far as hard to be a woman on earth, I would suggest it is hard to remain sane on earth at this time for anyone no matter the gender.

[markpierre]

All mothers on earth who raise children on their own.....my mother who I never saw her strength until now in my 40s when I see life through a wider lens....

Being a woman on earth is not easy.....being a mother triples that experience.........

Bravo! There's nothing more beautiful to me than a woman with an unnaturally strong left arm.

Hey being a heart centered male isn't easy here either. And not having children triples that experience too.

[seleka]

Katharine Hepburn, because she lived life on her terms, always. She was a humanist (like a feminist, but more than that to me)
Vandana Shiva for trying to save the world from Monsanto
Jeffrey Smith ditto
any person that has awakened and seeks to awaken others
me, because I keep getting up to take care of the house even though I am utterly convinced of the absurdity of it all.
If I think of more I will add it later.... I prefer to update instead of repost in a thread like this

[Camilo]

Abraham Lincoln, John F. Kennedy, Gandhi, John Lennon, John Paul II.

[Flowerpunkchip]

in no particular order

- Aaron Russo
- Frank Zappa
- Bill Hicks
- JFK Ghandhi Luther King (yes, he's a trio person unlike any other)
- And famous UFOlogist including Greer, Stephen Bassett, Richard Dolan, Gordon Cooper, Bill Ryan... Mitchell, O'Leary, Travis Walton, Gary Hesseltine, Toby Meloro,...

That's my five heroes.... oh come on, give me a break, there are way too many.

[AutumnW]

Stanislav Petrov--declined to launch atomic missiles while under orders to do so, in 1987, Russia. He rightly argued that a launch against the U.S. would ignite a nuclear war -- over what turned out to be an incoming flock of birds! This was his initial suspicion, so he ignored protocol. He was chastized by military, afterward!

Edward Snowden--for obvious reasons.

Rigoberta Menchu--Nobel peace prize winner, during the early 1990's. A labor organizer from Guatemala, who witnessed torture of her people and all the other indignities one can possibly imagine, at the hand of 'civilization'

Sixto Rodriguez-- See the film "Searching for Sugarman," He's an exquisite musician. He is also philosophically sophisticated, gentle, humble human being. Pure gold.

Martin Luther King--because he was the perfect leader, inspirational speaker...and he, like Gandhi promoted the idea of boycotts, non violent protest.

[Flowerpunkchip]

So, your top five...and reasons why if you're so inclined. :)

Milneman, I am sure that most people here would like to hear your top 5 too. ;)

[Sith73]

Ok this tough one for me as I have many Hero’s.

1. The Silver Legion. (Cause they are in the business of fighting galactic tyranny and oppression)
2. Alex Collier- (He has gone above and beyond to help this planet)
3. Captain Kirk- (I don't believe in the "no-win" scenario.) Very innovative leadership character.
4. Harrison Ford (Indiana Jones) Because archaeology is just cool.
5. Source- Cause the creator is always with me

[powessy]

I have no heroes but I believe their are exceptional people, no person or god is above reproach.

[Orph]

Someday I hope to be my own hero.

[risveglio]

Well, I prefer to be my own hero, though not a very good one !! The top 5 people I most admire would be, in no particular order :

Che Guevarra - saw the injustices heaped upon the people of his continent and did something about it, sacrificing his career as a doctor.



Got to love a doctor that executed over 10,000 of his citizens just because he could. Che was a monster.

I don’t need proof to execute a man,” snapped Che to a judicial underling in 1959. “I only need proof that it’s necessary to execute him!”

"The Negro is indolent and lazy," Che opined about his Congolese comrades, "and spends his money on frivolities, whereas the European is forward-looking, organized and intelligent."

[gripreaper]

My hero's are the forerunners, who are willing to speak the truth and walk the talk before it is "cool" to do so. Although my list would include many, these pop right in and are near the top.

Russell Means: Russell loved his people and stood up for the indigenous souls while keeping the old traditions alive and telling the world the truth about it. RIP Russel, and thanks my friend.

Eustice Mullens: Eustice would hang out in the library of congress every night after work until dawn, without sleeping until he understood the truth about the United States. He did this for 20 years and he was the first whistleblower to expose the scam that it is and has become. All others follow in the footsteps of Eustice Mullens. RIP Eustice, and thanks for all you did.

Bill Cooper: Bill was a trailblazer in alternative radio, before alternative radio was even a term. He took on the elite over the airwaves and never backed down or away from the truth. He paid with his life. RIP Bill. Thanks.

Phil Schneider: Phil broke ranks and went against his security clearance full well knowing he would pay with his life. Regardless, he knew he had to tell his story and expose the deep hidden secrets of our government and the atrocities of the alien agreements. The way the elite killed Phil was absolutely atrocious, which speaks volumes about what he knew. Phil was a special type of whistleblower, a very rare type. Thanks Phil for what you did. I, for one, will never forget.

Andrew Jackson: The only American president who stood up against the banksters and was successful, the only one...

And the fifth? All of the dear empathic souls who are standing up and speaking their truth, David Icke, Michael Tsarion, Jordan Maxwell, Bill Ryan, Santos Bonacci... You know this list.

Thanks for all you do who are still living and are relentless in the truth. Many here at Avalon are also my heroes. You also know who you are. Thanks ya'll

[Milneman]

Thanks guys and gals!

Truth is there are a lot of people who inspire me, some of them are fictional, but what the heck right? SO in no particular order, my top five an why:

Tenzin Gyatso, his Holiness the Dalai Lama. If there is any person today who demonstrates compassion and love even in the face of horrible, horrible atrocities this man leads by example. I'm not a Buddhist, but if I were to be a Buddhist it would be because of this man, this great lama, who in the face of tyranny and oppression did not get angry, did not incite his people to violence, but instead invited them to show love and compassion. I have this theory about the Kalachakra story. The people that are to come as a result of the ritual and initiation that are to help bring peace to the world, these ARE the Tibetan people. The Chinese actually helped to bring about a new renaissance of Tibetan Buddhist thought world wide. I can only hope that when the next Dalai Lama comes about, they will not imprison him like they did the Panchen Lama.

Frank Lloyd Wright: not only one of the greatest architects of the west, but also a great thinker, ecologist, and social revolutionary. His ideas for Broadacre City were among the very first socially responsible designed communities, where people worked where they lived, worked the land where they lived, participated in the communities they lived in; Wright designed some of the greatest houses of the 20th century, not to mention some of the most impressive public structures including Unity Temple. My avatar is a design from one of his great concrete block houses, the Ennis House. His houses not only incorporated beauty in space and light, but he employed local craftsmen and artists...he really was about community, and he was human.

C. S. Lewis, creator of the famous Narnia trilogy, and also someone who's story in itself is a testament to the building of personal faith, and the testing of that faith through some of the most painful emotional ordeals any person would have to go through. A great writer, a great academic. (And yes, Samwise! Tolkien is a very close one here as well...someone who's writings are just as prolific, and insightful in a way that today are hard to match!)

Saint Francis of Assisi. One of my favorite reads is the life of St. Francis by St. Bonaventure. It's a little hard to dig into, but the basics are these: Francis was surrounded by opportunities to live a life of wealth and pleasures, but rather than pursue these he sacrificed everything in the cause of the truth. Right behind him, St. Augustine. The Confessions is a great read. He too suffered in the pursuit of truth, and yet found it.

Ok so technically that's six. One more?

Of all the people in the Alt community, of all the people I've listened to, read about, dug deep into thinking about, Bob Dean tops out....not for what he's telling us, but what he's not telling us. I really do hope I get the chance to share a scotch with him one day, and ask him what he really knows.

[mosquito]

Got to love a doctor that executed over 10,000 of his citizens just because he could.

Did Milneman invite people to climb in here and judge other's opinions ? No.

Is it any of your business who I admire or don't admire ? No.

Have YOU told us who your heroes are ? No.

[risveglio]

Got to love a doctor that executed over 10,000 of his citizens just because he could.

Did Milneman invite people to climb in here and judge other's opinions ? No.

Is it any of your business who I admire or don't admire ? No.

Have YOU told us who your heroes are ? No.

Oh Please, the guy was a racists genocidal maniac. Him being one of your heroes means either you don't know the truth about him or you are an evil person. I find it as offensive to call him a hero as it would be to call Hitler or Leopold a hero.

[mosquito]

As others have said, it's actually quite difficult to choose 5 people, so here are some more who have made an impact which we now take for granted. Heretics such as :

Galileo and Darwin. Even though religious fundamentalism is far from over, we ought to remember that in Galileo's time, challenging the church's version of the truth was likely to get you executed !!

Today's heretics are less easy to identify, but my candidates would be :

Rupert Sheldrake and possibly Nasim Haramein.

On a more personal level, I can honestly say that the "big" names have not been my most inspirational teachers, not to denigrate them in any way. I tend to be touched more by simple people, like an ex-patient of mine, Jean. She was riddled with rheumatoid arthritis, had had 16 joint replacements, yes 16 ! Yet she was cheerful and positive, always telling me "there are people far worse off than me".

[Flowerpunkchip]

small bump because i like this thread and i like others to educate me about their heroes

oh bugger, i also forgot to add John Pilger as a hero...

[Delight]

I am thinking of the heros and heroines who were not even noticed except by their friends and family. Like many I know, the great hero and heroine appeared and quickly departed. These amazing ones shot in like comets.They passed.

Even those heroes and heroines who were noted by history and mystery are spoken of only in stories; the tales of people who presumed to know something true.

We have the prospect of forgotten-ness in this shallow world of passing torches. To be remembered is unlikely. In the meantime if you are reading this, I feel you are my hero or heroine. Not knowing who you are, I know you are showing up now to be somebody. That expression can take on oily aspersions as if to claim the desire to be somebody of esteemed personage is tainted in narcissm.

The fear of nonexistence is high if the insided personage has been dissed by us. It is actually all we came to experience in life. Who art thou? Mortality haunts, and the mask of terror at having no sense of self must be hidden. There is a spark even if it has dimmed. The miracle of turning inside out can happen any time. Inside out opens the door to the self.

It feels sad to be unknown. Sometimes we feel most strange in our own homes.

This takes nothing away from notions of an afterlife or enlightened extension. But as a person, at the moment, there is a sweet longing to be some one here who makes a difference. It would seem like enough to know we matter to the world we made.

This is nostalgia speaking in us at how time flies. A bitterness shows us a deep loss at times that seems about our worth. We long for the friends once felt in close companionship, the children who have moved out and on, the lover who has left us behind.Giving over to either wallowing in grief or forging ahead too fast away from sorrow, both retard us. To be a human is to always have the next day and new challenges as long as life in a world is happening.

We can dwell too much behind us in attachment by believing we will always have more to lose, so everything needs a tight grasp applied. We can move too fast to "seek enlightenment" hoping tyo completely detach and fly free. We came here to create some solid wings. It is without solid wings that Icarus crashed before.

The fact is a life is very ephemeral and fleeting. One needs courage.
It takes courage to be human in the best of circumstances knowing death is at hand of a body and address and works and all sorts of keepsakes. We are only a tiny spark flying up from a bonfire and as soon as it forms it extinguishes. People meditate to deepen a sense that there is something more. We try to create a bridge to the unfathomable.

I long to hold a grounded place in constant change. I know we came to surf the waves and were looking forward to the Big Ones. I aspire to complete immersion in a mythic ideal I cherish. I dip my toes in deep waters from one day to the next. I am not a saint or enlightened and that is what is heroic. The human destiny we each wrestle makes us mundane heroes and heroines. To show up with feeling full takes courage. I salute every one who ever tried it!

[Robin]

I've been thinking for a while how to give my response to this thread.

For me, it is very difficult to place others on a pedestal. There are many individuals whom I admire for their courage, integrity, fidelity, and wisdom. But we are all one...so what one individual does is mirrored on everybody else. We all have these ideals inside us if we so choose to express them.

I find it very off-putting to see people chase after actors, authors, athletes, and musicians and ask for their autograph. I find it very off-putting to see people scream at concerts. These people that many idolize are no better than us...they have just broken through the chains of fear and apathy to achieve their dreams and ambitions. Anybody can do this.

Everybody has the capability of doing great things. Most people are either afraid of reaching a pinnacle of notoriety or are apathetic in committing their time and energy into great achievements. Everybody could be an Einstein, Gandhi, or Lincoln if they dedicate their time and energy into certain goals. Even these individuals have their faults and limitations.

With my philosophical discourse, I must label everybody as a hero at some point. Each individual who manages to conquer their inner demons, look inwards, and feel empathy for others is my hero...because that is the greatest feat of all time. Once we find peace within ourselves--even just for one moment on a given day--we may find peace within humanity.

I really like the quote by Henry David Thoreau: "Rather than love, than money, than fame, give me truth."

[Robin]

I want to add to my post...

Instead of looking at the term "hero" as a noun, let us use it as an adjective:

Albert Einstein was heroic when he challenged Newtonian physics.
Mahatma Gandhi was heroic when he led the peaceful resistence against Great Britain.
The women of Project Avalon are heroic for their leadership in empowering what it truly means to be Women.

I think that it is very dangerous indeed for a nation or individual to label themselves as being exceptional heroes. I think Putin was very wise in this statement:


"It is extremely dangerous to encourage people to see themselves as exceptional, whatever the motivation,"..."There are big countries and small countries, rich and poor, those with long democratic traditions and those still finding their way to democracy. Their policies differ, too. We are all different, but when we ask for the Lord’s blessings, we must not forget that God created us equal."

I know we don't mean to, but I think that our subconscious interprets the word "hero" as "one who is superior." Superiority is a very dangerous thing and we need to stop giving power and fame to the few. We can no longer sit idly by and let Gandhi and Einstein do all the dirty work. We all need to embrace our deepest ideals.

Many people (mostly young girls) literally label Justin Bieber as their hero. We've all seen them cry and latch onto him. Has he done a single thing to warrant such a label?

http://thejustinbiebershrine.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/02/justin-bieber-fans.jpeg

How is the fan-base of Albert Einsten any different? Sure, he didn't have trails of young girls drooling over him, but intellectuals embraced him in a similar way:

http://www.zionism-israel.com/bio/Albert_Einstein_workers.jpg

I find it appalling that there exists such people who make a living chasing famous people. Yes, I am talking about the Paparazzi. They should be ashamed of themselves, and to be honest I am ashamed that my fellow humans particpate in such barbaric behavior.

Imagine if Einstein was alive today. Imagine his Twitter, Facebook, and Youtube channel being bombarded with nasty comments and intrusive attention. Imagine how less productive he would be if the Paparazzi followed him everywhere he went and bugging him in his office.

:horn:

[161803398]

Paul Watson - Sea Shepherd Conservation Society because he is sticking his neck out to save the oceans
Cynthia McKinney -- an outspoken former congresswoman because she knows bull**** when she sees it
Victor Jara - a Chilean singer and activist because he was a very brave man even in the face of torture and death in the stadium in Chile where he was murdered by Pinochet's military
Mary Meyer - because she had not too bad a plan to change the world...and may have, we might never know for sure
The Scarlet Pimpernel - because he never got caught (I know he is fictitious but I love him anyway).

I think a hero is someone who can look the devil in the eye and make your heart sing or raise your spirit.

People say "the Irish have no Heroes" and for that reason Honourable mention on this list of Heroes is the Irish for not having them.

[GreenGuy]

In no particular order:

The Dalai Lama
Malcolm X
Baha'u'llah
Vincent Van Gogh
John Adams

[Milneman]

I've been thinking for a while how to give my response to this thread.

For me, it is very difficult to place others on a pedestal. There are many individuals whom I admire for their courage, integrity, fidelity, and wisdom. But we are all one...so what one individual does is mirrored on everybody else. We all have these ideals inside us if we so choose to express them.

I find it very off-putting to see people chase after actors, authors, athletes, and musicians and ask for their autograph. I find it very off-putting to see people scream at concerts. These people that many idolize are no better than us...they have just broken through the chains of fear and apathy to achieve their dreams and ambitions. Anybody can do this.

Everybody has the capability of doing great things. Most people are either afraid of reaching a pinnacle of notoriety or are apathetic in committing their time and energy into great achievements. Everybody could be an Einstein, Gandhi, or Lincoln if they dedicate their time and energy into certain goals. Even these individuals have their faults and limitations.

With my philosophical discourse, I must label everybody as a hero at some point. Each individual who manages to conquer their inner demons, look inwards, and feel empathy for others is my hero...because that is the greatest feat of all time. Once we find peace within ourselves--even just for one moment on a given day--we may find peace within humanity.

I really like the quote by Henry David Thoreau: "Rather than love, than money, than fame, give me truth."

Sam I really like the way that Metis people up here regard their heroes, the men who fought against the government in the Metis Rebellion that took place in the late 19th centurey.

Louis Riel, the leader of the rebellion, was a staunch catholic and a great orator, but he was also cracked. On a march from Fish Creek to Batoche in the early spring, any time the party saw something "miraculous", everyone knelt down and prayed a full rosary.

Gabriel Dumont, one of the other leaders, had a ferry crossing at the Saskatchewan River. Lots of time he'd just load people up onto the ferry and send them off, if it got to the other side, great. If not, oh well. He had a pool table in his place. When the government looked like it was going to win, he buried his prize pool table rather than leave it for the red coats to play pool on.

Great leaders who were HUMAN and had flaws. I think the real understanding of a hero is great achievement even in the face of the truths about humanity, including the humanity of the person who inspires.

[S-L]

Interesting lists. A big thank you for everyone that participated - I had a lot of run reading it.

Here's my list. I don't really think of these people as heroes as that tends to put them on an unreachable pedestal. Rather, I think of them as inspirational figures that have given great gifts to humanity. They are examples of what all human beings are capable of doing.

Without further ado:
1. Marshall Vian Summers (http://www.newmessage.org/modern-day-prophet-marshall-vian-summers): he is a humble man that has been quietly receiving a new revelation (http://www.newmessage.org/experience-the-new-message-from-god) for humanity for the past 40 years. The Steps to Knowledge (http://www.newmessage.org/steps) spiritual practice that he has received will ultimately be practiced by millions. I think this has the real possibility of changing the world. Imagine what the world would look like if 10,000 Buddhas walked the Earth?

2. Sadhguru (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Jaggi_Vasudev): This enlightened individual has tirelessly been helping people achieve higher states of awareness while at the same time organizing a massive 2 million volunteers to plant 8.2 million trees, with the aim of planting 114 million (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Project_GreenHands) to increase the forest cover of Tamil Nadu to 33%. Here is a spiritually enlightened man that has been able to mobilize an entire state to save the environment. Quite inspirational.

3. Elon Musk (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Elon_musk): the great entrepreneur behind Paypal, SpaceX and Tesla Motors. He's a billionaire that wants to change the world for the better. He aims to help humanity become an interplanetary species while also helping accelerate the transition of humanity from gasoline cars to eletric vehicles. He's made quite a mark on the world - and he's only getting started.

4. Eckhart Tolle (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Eckhart_Tolle): for helping popularize stillness and the reclamation of Spirit to a wide audience that would normally not be interested in such things. He's reached a critical portion of Western culture through his Power of Now (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/The_Power_of_Now) book. Who else has reached so many normally uninterested people?

5. Jesus Christ (http://www.newmessage.org/wiki/index.php?title=Jesus_Christ): for the example he set. I'm not Christian and I'm not talking about the religion that formulated around his teaching, which in many ways has nothing to do with his actual teaching. I'm referring to how he reconnected with Spirit and allowed his mind and body to be vehicles for its expression.

[Shezbeth]

A random trail of curiosity lead me to this thread, antiquated tho it may be,....

<Cracks knuckles, crosses arms, and thinks real hard>

<Checks the dictionary definitions>

I wouldn't want bias or misinformation/misinterpretation to get in the way of this! <Clears throat>

1. Bruce Lee - Unsurpassed martial arts in several aspects, who refined his body to an incredible physical specimen capable of wonderous feats. He brought martial arts to a whole new level, as well as the minds and awareness of millions who otherwise might not have heard of or appreciate the value of (whether as entertainment or practice). His reach is still felt to this day throughout the industry, altering the course - if not the content - of many traditions, though not all.

2. Aleister Crowley - Not unlike Bruce Lee did with martial arts, Crowley did with metaphysics. His works are perceived across a massive spectrum; from unholy abomination to masterful treatise. While serving as a resplendent villain in the eyes of some traditions (and thereby being of service to them too! THAT'S a clear case of STS/STO!) he unveiled secrets and exposed both the mechanism and parts of the metaphysical machinery. Even those of the metaphysical practice who disagree with his conclusions on various aspects, his work still revealed pursue-able depth and dimension almost unsurpassed. As with Bruce Lee his reach is still felt, and likewise not by all.

3. The author of the Bhagavad Gita - Don't bother opining to me who that was. :rolleyes: Phenomenal book that establishes the righteousness - in a right-hand path sense - of doing precisely what one is tasked in life to do, with a warrior's absolute abandon demanding victory or death (in a philosophical/dispositional sense, don't look at me like that!). It established not a set of boundaries but a set of goals, and not in a literal sense but in a allegorical sense. Instead of prohibitions (except that bit about being a whiny uh,... female dog!) Arjuna was encouraged to do his finest and recognize that either outcome (victory or death) would entail a dream beyond his imagination. Again this is allegorical, and while there are those who have never heard of the book, it still reaches through the ages and into minds in a manner that is not superior to other works, but is likewise unsurpassed.

<hits the pipe,... don't worry, its hash rather than something gnarly>

4. Kishimoto, Masashi - Author of the astoundingly popular and recently concluded manga (japanese, comic book) and anime (", cartoon) series 'Naruto'. The story centers around a,... ha ha, kidding. Its a comic book/cartoon about ninjas. It's cheesy as hell but its fine cheese, aged to perfection. Additionally - to one who is able to decode eastern metaphysics - it contains principles of energetic manipulation, focus, awareness, and overall potential; it isn't all encompassing, but is actionable and introductory. Additionally, it depicts the full spectrum of archetypal ninja; their nature, disposition, and temperment.

It looks like 'just a kid's show', but I suggest to you it is far more than that. In fact, I DARE you to spend the 23 min to watch just the 1st episode! You've watched crappier videos (<ahem> elsewhere, but not here because the content is always so great :becky:) that were far longer! Watch the first episode and I DARE you to tell me that it isn't - at the very least - appreciable, even if you didn't find it to your liking. It isn't hard to find, just be sure to watch "Naruto Episode #1" and not "Naruto: Shippuden Episode #1" 'cuz that's the later series after,... ha ha, got you again. The language is japanese, but it is available subtitled in every language.

What's that? You say its available with english language dubbing? I'm sorry to admit that what you say is true, but I assure you it is far more aesthetically pleasant with japanese dubbing. You are welcome to watch it in english while I cry for you, for that would be like watching the "Ender's Game" movie and thinking you know why that story - that character even - is so awesome,... but I digress; watch it in japanese,... you'll be glad you did! :becky:

:focus:

5. R.A. Salvatore - Author of numerous fantasy book series', he is most well known for depicting the adventures of Drizzt Do'Urden (that's pronounced 'Dritst' - one syllable - 'Dough', 'Ur' as in Urn, followed by 'den' - like a 'living room'). Aside from being a little on the "elves, dwarves, giants, monsters and adventure (it's a 'Dungeons and Dragons' book series after all,...) cheesy" side, it philosophically teaches the value of maintaining one's conviction and resolution no matter how tradition, family, political/military/economic power, or any other outside agency might dictate otherwise, even in the face of what appear to be insurmountable opponents, odds, etc. It - the whole series, which currently has 20+ books - further posits throughout its progression that the most unthinkable adversity is the better and wiser alternative to ignorance, and in the end is unimaginably more rewarding in ways and means likewise unimaginable. The idea that beyond that most heinous and otherwise 'un-pass-able obstacle course' lies those like-minded, accepting and disregarding of stereotype, and comrades in arms when the need arose. And, it teaches that there are ways to apply the skills learned from one's origins both in opposition to one's origins and in defense of what is precious. The story chronologically begins with the 'Dark Elf' trilogy, though the trilogy to follow is his actual debut trilogy. Still, it is best to start with the Dark Elf trilogy, as it is both the beginning of the story and explains how the heroes came together and the initial shared adversity from which their bond was formed.

Additionally, the Drizzt series introduced the character 'Jarlaxle' (jar lax and a pronounced 'L' sound, like 'uhl') who is the most hilarious literary representation of the archetype of the 'Jester' I have ever seen. He is featured semi-frequently in Drizzt and co.'s storyline, but rightly got his own spinoff trilogy (the 'Sell-Swords' trilogy) which remains among my all-time favorite books,... even when compared to the following,....

6. Robert Greene - Famed (and infamed!) author of several modern treatises on all manner of (to some) sociopathic agenda, including: 'the 48 Laws of Power', 'the Art of Seduction', 'the 33 Strategies of War', 'the 50th Law', and 'Mastery'. Without having read the latter two - one being a "Machiavelli/Caeser Borgia"-esque collaboration with "50 Cent", and the other a more recent production I admit I know next to nothing about,... I should get on that - the 48 Laws pertain to an extant and observable dynamic of power - and how to align with (or not!) it - in the interest of personally and consciously affecting change in a secular and/or 'real world' sense. There's a thread about it here - http://projectavalon.net/forum4/showthread.php?14108-The-48-Laws-of-Power - for any wanting to learn more. The other books ('War' and 'Seduction') are equally viable and actionable in my experience, respective their subject.

7. Me - You will probably have to take my word for it on that, but allow me to say I have learned well from those previous, and I admire my achievements, progress, and emergence which was in many ways potentiated by their works. I have great respect for the aforementioned, and their examples as authors (interestingly) have helped me to develop a degree of authorship in my own story, as well as examples both literal and figurative.

And I could geek about me, let me tell you! I am the most appreciable person there has been and ever will be, though I know that is a highly-biased perspective. Still, one of the definitions of 'hero' was "possessing admirable traits",.... :p

All of the above are/were creators; all with their body (either figuratively through writing or literally), mind, and spirit, which is the most admirable and exalted/-able quality/characteristic.

That was delightful, thank your Milne! Sorry I'm late to the party,....

Damn, 8. Carlos Castaneda,....

[spiritwind]

You got me to thinking Shezbeth. I don't have what I call heroes, but I do have a few individuals who have had a tremendously positive effect on my overall spiritual development and showed me what it means to live a full, authentic, and experientially rich life with strong values and courage. In no particular order,

Hildegard Von Bingen - she was the topic of a paper I wrote for a Music Appreciation class I took years ago. She was given to the church at age 8, and although frequently sick, lived to 81. She had visions of God her whole life and was unusually independent, especially for her time. She was an extremely prolific writer, whose books, poems, and music are still popular today.

John Lennon - I was 13 when his album Imagine came out. So much of his music touched a deep chord with me.

Mahatma Ghandi - his autobiography when I was in my early 20's had a profound influence on my thinking. He did show me another side to what is possible in life than I had encountered before. He totally encouraged me in pursuing a life of serving in a larger sense to create a more honest and equitable system of governance in the world (that starts with self reflection), instead of just being angry about what seemed to be gross contradictions in what I was taught to believe about the world and how it really is.

Paramahansa Yogananda - he also came across my radar in my early 20's. His Autobiography of a Yogi totally inspired me to continue my search for spiritual understanding and it's importance in helping every other aspect of my life fall together. After reading this book I knew in my bones everything I had been taught was wrong.

Russell Means - for the same reasons as Gripreaper listed him. I love this man.

Melody Laakso - a personal friend whose example of integrity is rare in this world. A true spiritual warrior she is and she has inspired me to keep reaching for the hand that is extended to all who dare to tread this path of personal honesty that extends far beyond what we are physically aware of.

Tana Hamiter - she is much like my friend listed above but I have not had much interaction with her in many years. She was another pioneer in many ways, doing instead of talking. I got involved in her shamanic women's drumming circle back in the 90's and those experiences have laid a strong foundation for everything I have experienced since then. I learned to interact with women in an honest and mutually supportive way that I had not experienced before, as well as receiving some shamanic healing that I have no doubt has helped me become a more integrated and whole being, improving my life experience tremendously.

My husband - his fearlessness, support and encouragement as well as unconditional love for me really turned my life around, as this was a totally new (in this life) experience. Had I had someone around me of this quality and character as a youth my whole life would have been different.

Several people on Avalon are also very high in my book, as setting a positive example of what, in regards to showing others, is possible, along the lines of resolving differences in outlook, personality, culture and ways of self expression. If the world is to ever become a more life enhancing experience for the majority who would wish for this to be so, getting along despite differences is a primary goal, IMHO.

[Shezbeth]

I'm glad you liked it, I gave that post my all (aesthetically, content-wise, humor, etc.).

Like you indicate, there are a small handful of individuals on Avalon whom I regard with an eminence unknown even to those I interact with in person. I'll admit that my list is biased toward both a massive (public) scale as well as having a significant impact on my own development, whereas Avalon members (the kind mentioned) are more of a personal and limited scale (still significant, but not influencing millions,... to my knowledge).

Still, they are likewise heroes!

[Meggings]

There are heroes on the grand scale affecting the destinies of peoples and nations, and there are the heroes "up close and personal" that one observes day-to-day doing the best they can, being steady in the face of great difficulty, being brave and strong and carrying on, never complaining. Watching my beloved live his life with cancer, and seeing him never give up, nor give in, seeing him maintain impeccability of spirit and strength and caring, was a constant uplifting delight to me. I honour you, my beloved one. Thank you.