A collection of lectures by Thomas Carlyle delivered in 1840, this work explores the nature of heroism and its impact on history. Great individuals—heroes—shape the course of human events through their vision, leadership, and moral authority. He examines various historical figures, including Odin, Napoleon, and Shakespeare, to illustrate how their unique qualities and actions have profoundly influenced society and historical development. Carlyle's significance lies in his emphasis on the role of exceptional individuals in history, countering the idea that historical change is driven solely by social or economic forces. His focus on the individual's impact on history influenced later thinkers and writers, contributing to the development of the "great man" theory of history.
