From my observations it would seem almost hard wired that we, as humans, need Spiritual Guides, Heroes, Mentors or Role Models.
As social beings, we seem incapable of forging an independent path forward but instead need to follow in another’s footsteps (maybe this is because we are born with nothing and everything we gain is given to us by others and the many previous generations).
Occasionally, a leader is born and this leader encourages people through a living example and people are compelled to follow.
These leaders preach through the example of how they live their life and not through words alone.
These Spiritual Guides, Heroes, Mentors & Role Models still have the power to inspire even when they have passed away.
These Spiritual Guides, Heroes, Mentors & Role Models are only physically in a person’s life for brief moments of time but these moments are so memorable that they remain with us for a very long time. We then gain positive experiences and it is these positive experiences that inspire and motivate us to follow in their footsteps and as a result we begin to forge our own path forward with the help of our own leader.
In a similar fashion to Moreno’s Spiritual Fit thread, I feel that each person (irrespective of belief system) searches for their own personal Spiritual Guides, Heroes, Mentors & Role Models. A match is found when the need of the promise of fulfilment is met and when we embark on our existential journey.
Eventually our Spiritual Guides, Heroes, Mentors & Role Models are internalised and at this time we unknowingly become another’s hero (even if to a single child).
I feel this psychological process is such a fundamental part human nature and it is observable in every human endeavour (religion, spirituality, academia, media, sports, etc, etc…). I am not sure if this is a patriarchal model with the warrior held as supreme.
“The cave you fear to enter holds the treasure you seek”… but we need to overcome this fear and this is achieved with the help of our hero.