Straw Gods
In the creation of great cultural figures the fact that they were flesh and blood like the rest of us seems to be so often brushed under the carpet. In being labeled as a genius they are elevated to a kind of divinity, their every utterance incontestable and their work sacrosanct. Or at least the bits that fit the hollow caricature they have become, the rest being quietly neglected. Newton for example is hailed as the first great scientist when a title of last of the great alchemists might be more fitting.There are a number of issues that arise from this kind of reverence. First the reluctance to accept their fallibility means incorrect or dangerous ideas can survive in the public consciousness even in light of evidence to the contrary, Freud being a prime example when compared against the findings of modern neuroscience. Secondly with elevation to some kind of paragon, it puts them beyond the reach of what a mere human might aspire to. You see the same disdain for what humanity is capable of in those that for example insist aliens must have built the pyramids. Finally in divesting them of the myriad of contradictions and failings that are part of their humanity you reduce them to something less than human.
So by all means celebrate your heroes but also remember the most memorable stories of any superman are those driven by their humanity.
