A generation ago, Joseph Campbell introduced the world to
the "the Heroes journey." He wrote about the similarities
in mythology around the world and noted that throughout
history, the hero is acknowledged for facing his own life
and doubts, for taking on forces that are larger than the
individual, and for over-coming.
Campbell believed we can each, in our own way, be heroes.
But he said that heroism requires that we must face the
reality of our own lives, including our doubts and
limitations, and find our own reasons for going bravely
forward. Individually, life requires that we must surmount
challenges that seem bigger than ourselves. And, he said,
in the end, those who endure and persevere must surely win.
This week, I read Mitchell Zuckoff's book, "13 Hours in
Benghazi." It's the story of a small team of Americans who
fought through a horrific night, first at the diplomatic
compound in Benghazi and then at the CIA Annex, a mile
away. In the end, four brave men died, including Ambassador
Christopher Stevens, and one was seriously wounded.
I found the book powerful, apparently accurate on the
important points, and moving. It is a detailed account of
the actions of one group of warriors, on one side of one
battle. It's a story of heroism.
I found only one significant short-coming. It is
unfortunate that it's a story of heroism in its narrowest,
most stereotypical sense. It's about men in battle. But
more broadly and perhaps unintentionally, it's also about
the principles that create heroes in life. It's about
tactics and communication, about trust and preparation. And
it's about endurance, faith, toughness and resolve.
It's about the making of heroes and I thought it fleshed-
out the principles and theories introduced by Campbell. It
makes Campbell practical.
Principle 1: Follow Your Bliss. Campbell's most famous
quote is his challenge to find and follow our own path in
life. Do what brings you joy, do what seems to fulfill your
purpose or destiny in life. The men who fought in Benghazi
knew their jobs and why they did them. Many elite warriors
use the metaphor that they are "sheep-dogs." Their calling
is to protect and defend the innocent and the vulnerable.
The men Zuckoff writes about were passionate and willing to
sacrifice their lives to protect those under their care.
Principle 2: Endless Preparation. Most of these men were
in their 40's. They were not kids. They spent years
preparing to be the best in the world at what they did.
Most invested their personal funds for the best tools and
equipment. Despite endless days, stretching into years of
inactivity, they understood the essential of being prepared
when the time came. Too many of us either get bored with
preparation, or we procrastinate until too late. Heroes
know that the time to prepare for challenges in during the
long years of waiting.
Principle 3: Perseverance. I love the quote from Winston
Churchill that the key to victory is, "Never, never, never,
never give up!" Despite hunger, thirst, exhaustion and
pain, this team never let down their guard. They never
surrendered to discouragement, doubt, fear or fatigue.
Heroes persist. Everyone who has ever pursued a big or
important goal understands the temptation to give up.
Success often takes a long time. There are set-backs and
failures. Heroes never, never, never, never give up.
Principle 4: Teamwork. Benghazi is the story of teamwork
and faith in each other. Generally, the men were spread
out, one man to a rooftop or vantage point. They had radios
but were usually out of sight and alone. They had to trust
each other's fidelity, courage, skills and faithfulness.
Through three separate attacks over thirteen hours, their
lives depended on each man knowing and fulfilling their
commitments. In our own lives, too often we become "co-
dependent" on unreliable partners. Our own performance is
inconsistent or spotty. Heroes choose partners of absolute
integrity. They demand it of themselves and the people they
count on.
Some will say the book is about war. They'll say it's about
pain and hatred, and man's inhumanity, and that's true
enough. But at least for me, there is more to the story. In
my own way, in my own life, I want to be a hero. I want to
be someone of integrity, commitment, courage and
reliability. At the end of my life, I'd like to be remembered
as someone who followed his own bliss and was willing to
prepare, to persevere and to work for victory with reliable
teammates. I think that's true for most of us.
the "the Heroes journey." He wrote about the similarities
in mythology around the world and noted that throughout
history, the hero is acknowledged for facing his own life
and doubts, for taking on forces that are larger than the
individual, and for over-coming.
Campbell believed we can each, in our own way, be heroes.
But he said that heroism requires that we must face the
reality of our own lives, including our doubts and
limitations, and find our own reasons for going bravely
forward. Individually, life requires that we must surmount
challenges that seem bigger than ourselves. And, he said,
in the end, those who endure and persevere must surely win.
This week, I read Mitchell Zuckoff's book, "13 Hours in
Benghazi." It's the story of a small team of Americans who
fought through a horrific night, first at the diplomatic
compound in Benghazi and then at the CIA Annex, a mile
away. In the end, four brave men died, including Ambassador
Christopher Stevens, and one was seriously wounded.
I found the book powerful, apparently accurate on the
important points, and moving. It is a detailed account of
the actions of one group of warriors, on one side of one
battle. It's a story of heroism.
I found only one significant short-coming. It is
unfortunate that it's a story of heroism in its narrowest,
most stereotypical sense. It's about men in battle. But
more broadly and perhaps unintentionally, it's also about
the principles that create heroes in life. It's about
tactics and communication, about trust and preparation. And
it's about endurance, faith, toughness and resolve.
It's about the making of heroes and I thought it fleshed-
out the principles and theories introduced by Campbell. It
makes Campbell practical.
Principle 1: Follow Your Bliss. Campbell's most famous
quote is his challenge to find and follow our own path in
life. Do what brings you joy, do what seems to fulfill your
purpose or destiny in life. The men who fought in Benghazi
knew their jobs and why they did them. Many elite warriors
use the metaphor that they are "sheep-dogs." Their calling
is to protect and defend the innocent and the vulnerable.
The men Zuckoff writes about were passionate and willing to
sacrifice their lives to protect those under their care.
Principle 2: Endless Preparation. Most of these men were
in their 40's. They were not kids. They spent years
preparing to be the best in the world at what they did.
Most invested their personal funds for the best tools and
equipment. Despite endless days, stretching into years of
inactivity, they understood the essential of being prepared
when the time came. Too many of us either get bored with
preparation, or we procrastinate until too late. Heroes
know that the time to prepare for challenges in during the
long years of waiting.
Principle 3: Perseverance. I love the quote from Winston
Churchill that the key to victory is, "Never, never, never,
never give up!" Despite hunger, thirst, exhaustion and
pain, this team never let down their guard. They never
surrendered to discouragement, doubt, fear or fatigue.
Heroes persist. Everyone who has ever pursued a big or
important goal understands the temptation to give up.
Success often takes a long time. There are set-backs and
failures. Heroes never, never, never, never give up.
Principle 4: Teamwork. Benghazi is the story of teamwork
and faith in each other. Generally, the men were spread
out, one man to a rooftop or vantage point. They had radios
but were usually out of sight and alone. They had to trust
each other's fidelity, courage, skills and faithfulness.
Through three separate attacks over thirteen hours, their
lives depended on each man knowing and fulfilling their
commitments. In our own lives, too often we become "co-
dependent" on unreliable partners. Our own performance is
inconsistent or spotty. Heroes choose partners of absolute
integrity. They demand it of themselves and the people they
count on.
Some will say the book is about war. They'll say it's about
pain and hatred, and man's inhumanity, and that's true
enough. But at least for me, there is more to the story. In
my own way, in my own life, I want to be a hero. I want to
be someone of integrity, commitment, courage and
reliability. At the end of my life, I'd like to be remembered
as someone who followed his own bliss and was willing to
prepare, to persevere and to work for victory with reliable
teammates. I think that's true for most of us.
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