The Real Story of Rosa Parks, an essay by Paul Rogat Loeb, really rang true for me. It discusses how heroes become glorified to such an extent that we forget how they were able to achieve their heroics. Us normal folk forget that we too can accomplish great things. I often make the mistake of putting people I admire on a pedestal, which has two effects: 1. If I meet them and realize they are real people with nasty flaws, I am gravely disappointed and discouraged. 2. I forget that with perserverence, I too can make a difference in the world. To quote a quote by an activist from the article: “I think it does us all a disservice when people who work for social change are presented as saints… we get a false sense that from the moment they were born they were called to act, never had any doubts, were bathed in a circle of light. But I am much more inspired learning how people succeeded despite their failings and uncertainties. It’s a much less intimidating image. It makes me feel like I have a shot at changing things too.” This MLK Day I resolve to do more than think about how my commute will be more enjoyable than usual :-).