The more characteristic American hero in the earlier day, and the more beloved type at all times, was not the read more

The more characteristic American hero in the earlier day, and the more beloved type at all times, was not the hustler but the whittler.

The system of heroism depends on women to be weak so men can be strong.

The system of heroism depends on women to be weak so men can be strong.

Unhappy the land that is in need of heroes.

Unhappy the land that is in need of heroes.

The idol of today pushes the hero of yesterday out of our recollection; and will, in turn, be supplanted by read more

The idol of today pushes the hero of yesterday out of our recollection; and will, in turn, be supplanted by his successor of tomorrow.

Heroism on command, senseless violence, and all the loathsome nonsense that goes by the name of patriotism -- how passionately read more

Heroism on command, senseless violence, and all the loathsome nonsense that goes by the name of patriotism -- how passionately I hate them!

Nurture your mind with great thoughts; to believe in the heroic makes heroes.

Nurture your mind with great thoughts; to believe in the heroic makes heroes.

What with making their way and enjoying what they have won, heroes have no time to think. But the sons read more

What with making their way and enjoying what they have won, heroes have no time to think. But the sons of heroes -- ah, they have all the necessary leisure.

No heroine can create a hero through love of one, but she can give birth to one.

No heroine can create a hero through love of one, but she can give birth to one.

The characteristic of genuine heroism is its persistency. All men have wandering impulses, fits and starts of generosity. But when read more

The characteristic of genuine heroism is its persistency. All men have wandering impulses, fits and starts of generosity. But when you have resolved to be great, abide by yourself, and do not try to reconcile yourself with the world. The heroic cannot be common, nor the common heroic.