On the wall | Seth’s Weblog

We’re story-processing creatures, and the simplest tales are sometimes embodied in individuals. Residing examples of the lesson we’re making an attempt to study and the posture we hope to mannequin.

Heroes, mentors, martyrs, examples, icons, avatars, archetypes, and even villains.

Typically these individuals are fictional, residing in an anecdote and refined to kind a legend.

The leverage of media, although, has made historical past extra highly effective than any made-up story ever might be.

After we rehearse and amplify the story, we are able to’t assist however make the individual much less actual. The story has a goal, and its goal is to remind us of who we might be and the way we transfer ahead.

That is what saints do for us. Because of this we put footage on the wall or invoke the reminiscences of the individuals who got here earlier than us.

Reminded of our heroes, we all know we are able to enhance. We will work tougher for justice, discover extra compassion and present up as a contribution. We will take a look at the odd moments when somebody selected to maintain going and understand that selection is accessible to us as nicely.

There are such a lot of extraordinary individuals who have come earlier than. It’s on us to decide on our heroes properly and to do the onerous work to honor the contributions they made. Even when it’s tough and unpopular. Particularly then.

In the present day is a wonderful day to think about who’s on our wall.

January 19, 2026