Are Heroes Born or Made?

This age-old question remains a subject of debate. The idea that great leaders shape history through their actions and decisions is as old as history itself. In fact, the English philosopher Thomas Carlyle theorized that history can largely be attributed to the impact of “Great Men,” brave leaders called upon in times of need. According to Carlyle, these Great Men—who will be referred to as Great People in this text to include both genders—all possess a specific set of highly admirable character traits. They are leaders with exceptional intelligence and charisma, enabling them to mobilize people who have long awaited someone to lead the way toward change. This perspective on history was widely accepted before the 20th century, particularly before World War II, as it legitimized the hereditary nature of social status and reinforced the nobility. The son of a king is a future king, the son of a lord is a lord in the making.

It is hard to deny the huge impact such people have on the world.

Would South Africa have remained under Apartheid without Mandela? What if Prophet Muhammad had never been born? Could France have survived without Charles de Gaulle? What would history look like without those who dared to challenge the status quo, venturing into the unknown against all odds?

Whether their impact was ultimately positive or negative on the human story, some individuals’ actions have undeniably changed the fate of the world.

Fate and Free Will

But what is it that makes these individuals who they are? How does one reach such a level of greatness that humanity immortalizes them in its history books? Could an ordinary boy sitting outside a neighborhood café achieve such greatness through sheer effort? Or does it require a special kind of person? Or is it all a matter of chance?

Some belief systems, such as that of the Druze community, propose the idea of a chosen soul that transcends time and reincarnates in different eras to serve a specific purpose in the grand scheme of history. Do such individuals recognize the impact they will have on humanity? Are they aware of their pre-determined role?

When analyzed closely, proponents of the “Great People” theory tend to be strong believers in the notion that certain individuals are chosen by divine will to fulfill specific historical roles. This was the perspective of Thomas Carlyle himself.

It is fascinating how one person can envision an alternate reality—one they believe will resolve the issues they deem most pressing—and then succeed in persuading others not only that this vision is achievable but also that it is worth dedicating their efforts to bring it to life. Notice how this description intentionally avoids equating Great People with goodness. History has seen figures like Gandhi, Martin Luther King Jr., and Buddha, but it has also witnessed the rise of Hitler, Netanyahu, and Stalin. The notion of “Great People” should not be conflated with the idea of “good people.” However, in retrospect, humanity tends to recognize those who have contributed the most progress, good, and positive impact as the greatest among them.

Carlyle’s interpretation of greatness referred to individuals of exceptional caliber capable of changing the course of history—going so far as to suggest that they were chosen individuals. While this perspective implied that such figures were enacting divine will and, by extension, contributing positively to the world, a broader view acknowledges the subjectivity of history. After all, history is written by the victors, favoring the events and figures that led to their triumphs. For instance, Western civilizations trace their lineage of heroes from the Roman Empire to the Byzantines, to the kings and lords of European feudal states, and beyond, while those they opposed may have viewed these very individuals as adversaries and even demons.

A Collective Will

This question does not have a straightforward answer, yet it offers valuable insight into human perception and how individuals respond to the responsibility of rising to the occasion. The debate can be broken down into two primary perspectives:

1. History is predetermined, with every individual playing a fixed role in a grand design that inevitably selects a few to fulfill its purpose. According to this view, the most daring feats of bravery, the greatest works of art, the most brilliant military strategies, and the most groundbreaking innovations are all destined to be accomplished by a handful of irreplaceable individuals.
2. History is shaped by human choices and actions, with some individuals, whether by chance or merit, rising to positions of extraordinary influence. In this view, success depends on personal commitment and effort, and nothing is preordained.

A third perspective blends these two ideas, recognizing the constant interaction between the individual and the collective they inhabit. The heroism of figures like Gandhi was a product of everything that shaped him—the sum of his relationships, failures, successes, education, religion, family dynamics, and even genetic traits. He rose to the occasion because the circumstances demanded such a figure. Whether consciously or not, he faced a decisive choice: to become the leader of his people and sacrifice his personal freedom for a greater cause or to step away from that path and lead an ordinary life preserving his individuality and freedom as a person.

There is no objectively superior choice between the two, despite the human tendency to categorize everything as good or bad, black or white. However, Great People play a crucial role in history by serving as mirrors of their societies. They embody the collective aspirations, fears, ambitions, and struggles of their people, acting upon them in ways others might perceive as impossible. Whether guided by divine intervention or driven by the natural trajectory of societal evolution, these figures emerge at pivotal moments to lead the way forward—or, in some cases, backward.

It is not the name of the individual that matters but the fact that human progress reaches points that necessitate breakthroughs. Einstein, for example, was instrumental in revolutionizing physics, but the conditions of scientific advancement at the time made such a breakthrough inevitable. Similarly, Mandela’s years of resistance and imprisonment, coupled with the shifting political landscape, ultimately led him to adopt the path of peace to achieve the change that his people sought. That change was bound to happen because the collective will of the South African people demanded it. Regardless of the methods used, their struggle would have continued until justice was achieved, in whichever way the society in question perceived “justice” at the time—a notion that is affected directly by the balance of power between the powers at play.

It is essential to distinguish this from the belief that South Africa was destined by divine will to be free. Its liberation was not preordained but rather the result of the collective will of its people, combined with internal political efforts and converging global dynamics. Not all nations have been as fortunate. Not all stories have happy endings.

This idea becomes particularly evident in the case of Palestine. Leader after leader has emerged, adapting their strategies and approaches to align with major historical developments. From armed resistance to political negotiations and back to resistance, each new leader embodies the aspirations and frustrations of their people, driven by an unshakable conviction in the righteousness of their cause.

Ultimately, it comes down to the right person in the right place at the right time.

Can Everyone Become a Great Person?

So, does this mean that anyone can achieve greatness? The answer is both yes and no.

Everyone has the potential to improve themselves and contribute meaningfully to society in ways that align with their strengths. However, not all are destined to achieve historical greatness. Life presents challenges—some will face illness, others will change their aspirations, some will be preoccupied with personal responsibilities like raising a family, while others may try and fail. Many will not live to see their efforts bear fruit. But through countless trials and errors, these individual struggles collectively pave the way for one person, at the right moment, to embody the aspirations of those who came before, and crosses the finish line.

What about you? Do you believe heroes are born or made?