Why Heroes Matter—And Now More Than Ever

In the First Century B.C., the Roman statesman Cicero defended the old republic as its core values were being undermined by a growing welfare-warfare state.

He spurned opportunities for great personal power and denounced the demagogues like Julius Caesar and Mark Antony who sought to snuff out personal liberties and constitutional government. He paid for his principles with his life but bequeathed the world a treasure trove of insightful speeches and letters.