
The Project Gutenberg E-text of The Hero in Man, by A.E. (George William Russell)
PRELUDE.
THE HERO IN MAN.
The opening invites listeners into a reflective conversation about the tension between the bustling world of politics and the quieter, deeper currents of the soul. It distinguishes two kinds of seekers: the rigorous intellect that clings to abstract systems, and the imaginative spirit that lets inner wonder shape understanding. By juxtaposing these paths, the narrator argues that true philosophy must be alive with imagination, breathing meaning into thought. This sets a tone of gentle yet probing inquiry, urging us to consider what it means to nurture the “inner self” amid external turmoil.
From there, the work weaves references to Plato, Plotinus and other ancient voices, suggesting that reading them can transport us into a shared, timeless realm of insight. The prose balances scholarly reverence with an accessible, conversational style, making lofty ideas feel immediate and personal. Listeners will be guided toward a richer appreciation of how imagination can transform ordinary experience into a glimpse of something higher.
Language
en
Duration
~33 minutes (32K characters)
Publisher of text edition
Project Gutenberg
Credits
Produced by Al Haines
Release date
2011-08-31
Rights
Public domain in the USA.
Subjects

1867–1935
Best known by the pen name Æ, this Irish poet and essayist brought mysticism, social conscience, and a painter’s eye to the Irish literary revival. His work moves easily between visionary lyric poetry and clear-eyed writing about Irish public life.
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