In a Tale of Two Cities Charles Dickens introduces the character Sydney Carton. He has a brilliant mind and is a successful lawyer but he is filled with self-loathing and is an alcoholic. He has squandered his talents and views his life as wasted.
He loves a woman and tries to be a better person for her. Unfortunately she loves another man. At the end of the book Carton is placed in a position where he can save the life of that other man but only at the cost of his own life.
As he goes to his death Dickens writes the thoughts going through Sydney Carton mind. He wrote: “It is a far, far better thing that I do, than I have ever done; it is a far, far better rest that I go to than I have ever known.”
In going to his death Carton completed his Hero’s Journey. Even though he had lived a less than desirable life, he was still able to complete the ultimate heroic act and save another life.
No matter where we are in life or what we have done up to this point each of us can take our own Hero’s Journey. To begin simply requires being willing to act. It is easy to be cynical or nihilistic. It is easy to spot problems in society and complain about them. Such actions can never lead to a Heroic journey. The journey will not be easy and it will require sacrifices but in the end it can lead to a happiness and fulfillment that can only be achieved by taking risks.
We must find a cause that attracts us, be willing to take risks and seek adventure. New opportunities will arise and life will take on new meaning. As we progress along our life journey seeking opportunities to make a difference we will be able to lay down to sleep and find a far better rest than we have ever known.
For 45 minutes Alexander rode in a helicopter while receiving a crash course on the historic sites of New York City. The ability to hover in the air while moving 110 miles per hour was surreal. He began to wonder if perhaps he had died on the battlefield and was now in some level of the afterlife. Everything was too extraordinary to believe.
As they were nearing the conclusion of their flight Alexander examined the topography below with a general’s eye.
“Where are your city’s defenses?”
“What are you talking about?” Sammy responded.
“What would prevent an invading army from laying siege to your city?”
“No one would ever invade us.”
“Such hubris makes it likely at some point.”
“The oceans protect us from our enemies and Canada is our ally. It would never happen.”
“Fascinating. I bet I would find a way to do it.”
“But why would you want to.”
“It is my destiny to create empires. This city would have to be conquered and rolled into my empire.”
“The United States Army is too powerful. You would never stand a chance.”
A half dozen battle plans were floating through his mind.
“I think I could do it.”
“Who are you?” Sammy asked.
“I already told you. I am the great king ...
