The Heroic and Exceptional Minority

A Guide to Mythological Self-Awareness and Growth

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Pub Date 31 Oct 2021 | Archive Date 18 Apr 2022

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Description

Many people struggle throughout their lives, unable to identify the source of great inner existential discontent. No matter their material comfort or good fortune, they cannot escape the idea that they do not live the lives they ought to. They are not in environments that support their deepest personal growth and development. They are not the people they feel they are meant to be, and the world never works the way they know it could.

Every day, exceptional minds like these begin to suspect that the way they operate is different than the norm. They realize early on that they have profound capacities for original insight, feeling, action, choice, and meaning. But without mentoring guidance or a sense of social belonging, they feel lost—alone and alienated in their individuality.

What can we do to better understand the hidden parts of ourselves, to prevent our uncommon personal growth and development from becoming bridled by pressures toward the conventional? How can we learn to identify and embody the heroic values that matter most to us? The answer lies in deep personal inquiry about the shared existential strengths and limitations that define us, including how to apply them to our self-improvement in an incompatible world.

The Heroic and Exceptional Minority is an audacious call to self-development for men, women, and teens plagued by mythological doubt, who feel stuck in a mediocre environment and an unheroic era. Its premise is timeless, clear, and simple: The only way to understand oneself, realize our potential, and change the world for the better is to embrace who and what we really are.

Many people struggle throughout their lives, unable to identify the source of great inner existential discontent. No matter their material comfort or good fortune, they cannot escape the idea that...


Advance Praise

"Gregory handles the topic without condescension for people who don't fit the type, but deep insight into the souls of those who do."

"The book is both fast-paced and comprehensive, discussing advanced psychological insight while staying accessible with detailed examples from pop culture."

"Although adults will find a lot to reflect on as well as exercises to push them to their full potential, my hope is that this book finds its way into the hands of teenagers. If 'The Heroic and Exceptional Minority' can reach just one 'self-aware' teen who may have otherwise never learned to wield their unique insight, Gregory will have achieved something incredible."

"He shows how becoming an outcast, pariah, someone that doesn't fit in society or just has trouble adapting owns a unique opportunity. That opportunity is the discovery not only of new outside things that can be brought back to the tribe but also one's true strengths."

"This book captivated me right from the beginning. Diehl's does a wonderful job explaining the mindset and differences between this minority group of people who 'just get it' or fit into a certain mould - without being disrespectful towards anyone particular type of person."

"Gregory handles the topic without condescension for people who don't fit the type, but deep insight into the souls of those who do."

"The book is both fast-paced and comprehensive, discussing...


Available Editions

ISBN 9781945884214
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Featured Reviews

Gregory Diehl, author of numerous books latest release is The Heroic and Exceptional Minority: A Guide to Mythological Self-Awareness and Growth. A philosophical book where Diehl is expressing his wisdom and what he learnt rather late in life as he puts it. Written for his descendants Diehl generously shares it with the rest of the world. It is particularly interesting for those who are or would embark on a journey of self discovery.

One of the first things that impressed me was how easy I found it to read this book. True it is written in an academic vein yet Diehl has made the effort to write it almost as a story. This makes it easier to absorb the principles Diehl is setting forth. The chapter’s flow easily from one to another. Of course we may not all agree with his principles/thinking. Despite this, most of us will realise that there is a lot of truth in what Diehl proposes.

Diehl suggests that the book is for those who are different from the herd so to speak, the ones who push past the norms of society for a greater good. We’ve all heard of them. History books are full of them though few they may be. They are those that have always felt they are different from society, itching to tear down barriers and cross new boundaries. Consequently, searching for that elusive something. As a believing Christian I couldn’t help but see parallels with the Lords Word(Bible). Diehl’s work differs in that it is one’s own effort as opposed to His Way where one leans on the Lord. Of course an unbeliever is unlikely to understand what I’m saying. A caveat to the newbie believer who may be unaware of the difference. Likewise, with Diehl’s book one might not get what he is suggesting and some may even be offended by what he says.

He does not mean to offend by stating the fact. I gathered that from the tone of the book. Likewise, he is also not suggesting that some are more equal than others. Far from it. He is merely suggesting that while we are all individual and different, some individual’s differences better suit books principles. History demonstrates this to be true. Another important assertion he makes is that this should be only used for good. Ha Diehl is fully aware his powerful message can be abused. Did he garner this wisdom from life’s experiences? May be like me he is aware that history is full of those who were very different from the norm and abused their intelligence and/or charisma to sway whole nations and use their power to bully the rest of society with brutal consequences. Such individuals will rationalise anything. Fortunately, it is the very herd that rose up to quell these dictatorial personas. In the light of this Diehl’s statement to use it for society’s good is provocative and to be remembered constantly when using this self-improvement manual.

Diehl builds his case gradually starting from birth discussing how our role models influenced us. Could that be a problem for us from achieving our heroic ideals? How do we break from the archetypical mould to transcend into our heroic true self? How would we motivate ourselves in this quest? And when we have found our heroic true self how do we keep the flame alive? Do our trials and other emotions like fear have any part to play in this process? Diehl explores all this and more very succinctly. He successfully conveys the premise of his book. I however, can’t help wondering if the younger generation who have careers, family and other equally important responsibilities would be able to find the time to devote to the book’s guiding principles. It comes at a cost and who amongst them would willingly make the sacrifice? Um… the heroic minority comes to mind.

Furthermore, a considerable amount of monitoring is required by anyone who chooses to attempt Diehl’s philosophy. Unfortunately, there is no workbook/diary accompanying the book. The reader I assume, would have to work out their own methodology. Being extensive, it could be confusing.

Cohesively laid out, the narrative style makes it an absorbing read. Is this wisdom a doable? Ultimately it will depend on the individual, if one is the heroic minority. Well I allow the readers to discover this for themselves.

Well done Diehl for an impressive read and thank you for bravely sharing.

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