of certain historical authorities, to minimize the influence of the
leadership of the so-called Great Men, and to question the importance
of their work as a factor in shaping the history of the time. Great
events are referred to as brought about by such general influences as
"the spirit of the time" (Goethe's _Zeitgeist_), the "movement of
humanity," or "forces of society." If we accepted the theories of the
writers of this school, we should be forced to the conclusion that
generations of men move across the world's stage impelled by forces
entirely outside of themselves; and that as far as the opportunity of
individual action is concerned, that is for action initiated and
completed under his own will-power, man might almost as well be a
squirrel working in a revolving cage. The squirrel imagines that he
moves the cylinder, but the outsider knows that the movement is
predetermined, and that there is no change of position and no net
result from the exertion.

A large number of people hold, notwithstanding, to the old-time
feeling expressed, and doubtless exaggerated and over-emphasized, in
such books as Carlyle's _Hero Worship_. They are unwilling, and in
fact they find it practically impossible, to get away from the belief
that the thought of the time is directed by the great thinkers, and
that the action of the community is influenced and largely shaped by
the power, whether this be utilized for good or for evil, of the great
men of action.

In any case, men will continue to be interested in the personalities
of the leaders whose names are connected with the great events of
history. The citizens of each nation look back with legitimate pride
upon the patriotic work of those who have helped to found the state,
or to maintain its existence.