Our+Heroes...Yesterday+and+Today

media type="youtube" key="xrme_mgZKpA" height="315" width="560"According to **//Joseph Campbell//** in his interview with Bill Moyer, a hero is "someone who dedicates their life to something bigger than themselves; they achieve or accomplish something beyond the normal human range." The hero can achieve a physical deed like saving someone or sacrificing himself for a cause; a spiritual deed such as learning or experiencing the super normal, a transformation of consciousness; leaving one source and finding a new source of energy; the force. Heroes set out intentionally, are lured in or are thrown into their journey. As a hero goes through the journey and experiences trials, Campbell says the trials are as significant as the journey itself. It is the trials that make the hero great and move the hero to a newer, higher level of consciousness. Heroes **__do not live in terms of the system or give themselves up to what others want or think__**. Heroes __**learn to live within the system and according to what they know is right**__; __**they do whatever it is that keeps them centered.**__ As humans, we need to put ourselves into situations that bring out our higher nature and push us in the right direction. We have to listen to the demands of our heart and fight the "dragon" in us that keeps us from being the best we can be.

__**Assignment #1**__
Choose a person from politics, history, religion or elsewhere that exemplifies the characteristics of the hero according to Joseph Campbell. Post a picture of your hero and write a short (10-12 sentences) paragraph that explains how your hero relates to the notes we discussed in class. Research specific support for your paragraph, not just general info that we already know and EXPLAIN ! These assignments will be graded/point count one quiz grade. Any picture or info you use directly from a website must be documented.

Be sure and identify the assignment as __**Assignment #1 My Hero**__.