MZWANDILE MASINA: The myths and dangers of the great man theory

In the mid-1840s, a Scottish historian and philosopher, Thomas Carlyle, wrote essays and gave a series of lectures on heroism. The six lectures would later be compiled into an influential book titled On Heroes, Hero-Worship, & the Heroic in History. Each essay is a reflection on the influence of a prominent historical figure.

Although the theory was rejected by such scholars as Friedrich Wilhelm Nietzsche, it was relatively popular with a number of scholars for the most part of the 19th century. But it was the passionate criticism of English philosopher and sociologist, Herbert Spencer, who formulated the hypothesis of social Darwinism, that laid bare the limitations of Carlyle’s theory.

Despite the overwhelming criticism of the great man theory, it has consistently reared its head in South African politics, particularly within the governing African National Congress . There is a growing tendency of attributing the successes and failures of the organisation to individuals – a tendency that has set parameters for members of the organisation to use it as a tool for mobilisation.

from this is that popularity does not always translate to the capturing of the hearts and minds of voters. Voters are captured by the pursuit of a common vision, one that responds to their material needs and aspirations.

mzwandileMasina The man must just go he is a part of the people benefited in corruption state

mzwandileMasina Just an ask, are you not feeding into this theory by putting forward a candidate? I'm concerned about the glaring omission of corruption as one of the reasons for vote decline. It makes one think that the movement is not taking this seriously. No one can save the ANC!

South Africa Latest News, South Africa Headlines

Similar News:You can also read news stories similar to this one that we have collected from other news sources.

Believe it or not: South Africa in top five wealthiest African countriesBelieve it or not: South Africa in top five wealthiest African countries 'We're starving to death': Many South Africans cannot believe that they live in one of the top three wealthiest African countries.
Source: TheSAnews - 🏆 25. / 59 Read more »

Glencore UK subsidiary pleads guilty to bribery in Africa - SABC News - Breaking news, special reports, world, business, sport coverage of all South African current events. Africa's news leader.A Glencore subsidiary on Tuesday pleaded guilty to multiple counts of bribery after admitting to bribing officials in countries Cameroon, Equatorial Guinea, Ivory Coast, Nigeria and South Sudan, marking a rare corporate conviction for corruption. What makes south africa excluded on the list while Brian molefe told the commission about their bribery tyson_929 And South Africa 🇿🇦 as well No corruption here in SA and Zambia..? So many documentaries that show the pillage and rampant corruption especially the mineral and financial sector!
Source: SABCNews - 🏆 37. / 51 Read more »

Great depression for Revlon as it files for bankruptcyThe 90-year-old company started life selling nail polish in the Great Depression
Source: SundayTimesZA - 🏆 47. / 51 Read more »

Great depression for Revlon as it files for bankruptcyThe 90-year-old company started life selling nail polish in the Great Depression
Source: SundayTimesZA - 🏆 47. / 51 Read more »

SIYABONGA MAGADLA: Sow the seeds of youth to reap the demographic dividendYoung people must be at the centre of the post Covid-19 recovery plans, not just in theory but in practice
Source: BDliveSA - 🏆 12. / 63 Read more »

Prisoners warn pupils about consequences of crimeWhile Mpumalanga police arrested three teenagers for the gang rape of three women and a murder at the weekend, two inmates in Gauteng were warning pupils about the dangers of committing crime.
Source: SowetanLIVE - 🏆 13. / 63 Read more »