ABSTRACT
This chapter discusses heroism from ancient tales, such as that of Achilles, and from brutal modern reality. Both can in particular teach us much about democratic politics. Achilles subverts the discipline of the Greek armies, prizing his private anger over the success of his comrades. When he returns to battle, he does so only to settle an individual grudge, not as a leader of Agamemnon's forces. As Achilles prepares to die, he brings the Greeks to the eve of their epic victory and is eternally remembered as the hero of the Trojan War. In the world of politics, they are the equivalent of Pulitzer Prize winners in journalism, deserving honor for doing their ordinary work extraordinarily well. Heroism in the executive branch is exemplified by President Harry Truman and in the judicial branch by federal district judge William Wayne Justice. American politics now extends beyond the formal institutions originally established by the Constitution.
