Heroes and Metamorphosis Summary

In the chapter "Heroes" Jensen discusses the way a culture can be defined by their heroes. He writes that his childhood hero was Lawrence of Arabia, a character whom he believed understood Jensen's own perception of reality. Jensen makes the point that a person's heroes say much about who they are and how they perceive the world. Along these same lines, Bruce Stewart, a Maori man tells Jensen that in order for the world to survive, the people must become caretakers of the world. He also indicates people need better heroes, such as the man who died trying to save the birds.

Jensen then gives an example of a person whom many Americans consider a hero. This man is General Norman Schwartzkaf. Jensen points out that although Schwartzkaf is considered a hero, he and his men were found guilty...