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I hear many condemn these men because they were so few. When were the good and the brave ever in a majority? Would you have had him wait till that time came? - till you and I came over to him? The very fact that he had no rabble or troop of hirelings about him would alone distinguish him from ordinary heroes. His company was small indeed, because few could be found worthy to pass muster. Each one who there laid down his life for the poor and oppressed was a picked man, culled out of many thousands, if not millions; apparently a man of principle, of rare courage, and devoted humanity; ready to sacrifice his life at any moment for the benefit of his fellow-man.

Henry David Thoreau#116

EthicsHistoryLeadershipHeroismPrinciples

About this quote

What does it mean?
True heroes are few; their small, principled groups stand out for sacrifice and humanity.
In plain terms
Rare, principled individuals make a big impact.
What can you take from it?
Value quality over quantity in leadership.

Where it applies

  • social movements
  • military history

Putting it to work

  • recognize true leaders
  • support principled actions

Questions to consider

  • How do we identify genuine heroes?
  • What risks arise from glorifying small groups?

Another view

Heroic narratives can romanticize violence.

More from Henry David Thoreau

  1. He would have left a Greek accent slanting the wrong way, and righted up a falling man.

    Permalink to quote #115
  2. It was his peculiar doctrine that a man has a perfect right to interfere by force with the slaveholder, in order to rescue the slave. I agree with him. They wh…

    Permalink to quote #117
  3. I do not wish to force my thoughts upon you, but I feel forced myself. Little as I know of Captain Brown, I would fain do my part to correct the tone and the s…

    Permalink to quote #114

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