Did you know that Disney has produced over 750 movies?

And the real head-scratcher is when someone asks you “Which one’s your favorite?”

Not that you asked, but for me, it’s Hercules.

Actually, if I’m being honest, it’s the 2002 animated film Treasure Planet, but Hercules ties into today’s newsletter more so just roll with it.

But what’s not to like about it?

It’s the story of a Greek hero who was born under Zeus and is turned mortal and raised on Earth to eventually discover his true origin and sets out to prove himself to the Gods.

Along the way, he battles a Hydra, defeats monsters, and ultimately Hades to earn his place among the Gods proving that true heroism comes from within.

You know, the classic coming-of-hero story.

But there’s a lot more to this Greek mythological tale. . .

Obviously it wasn’t depicted in the movie, but there’s another ancient tale called The Choice of Hercules.

It goes like this.

One day, a young Hercules was walking down a path far outside his village contemplating his life when he came upon a fork in the road.

Suddenly, two Goddesses emerged from both paths. They introduced themselves as Kakia (Happiness), and Aretê (Virtue).

Kakia stepped toward the young Hercules and said that if he took her path on the left, he would live an easy and pleasant life. She continued by promising him all the luxuries in the world without having to exert any effort.

Kind of a win-win if you ask me.

But suddenly, the Goddess of Virtue took a step forward and started to share with him what lay forward on her path on the right.

She said, “Nothing that is really good and admirable comes without effort and application.” That her path would contain hard work, challenges, and adversity. But would eventually find the end to be more rewarding than Kakia could ever offer.

And so Hercules chose to walk down Aretê’s path, opting for virtue over vice.

Hercules would go on to face numerous trials called The Twelve Labours. Some of these include defeating the Nemean Lion, capturing the Golden Hind, and one you’re probably more familiar with, battling the ferocious Hydra.

And it was his resilience that ultimately impressed Zeus enough to elevate him to Godhood.

This is a story that has been told for thousands of years and was even shared amongst the Stoics as a metaphor for choosing a life of virtue.

And for a lot of us, we have to make this choice every single day.

Will you take the path of vice and sleep in? Or will you take the path of virtue and go to the gym?

Don’t get me wrong, it’s a harder path. But remember what Aretê said, “Nothing that is really good and admirable comes without effort and application.”

So next time you’re faced with a choice, don’t just think about the gratification you’ll get along the way. Think about the gratification you’ll receive once it’s all said and done.

Because you’ll never regret taking the hard path once it’s over.

Until next time,
Isaiah Taylor

Dive Deeper

What I’m Currently Reading - I’m currently reading Amor Towles’ book A Gentleman in Moscow. A type of historical fiction that follows the life of a gentleman who is put under house arrest in one of Moscow’s most prestigious hotels.

Quote Of The Week - “Don’t count the days, make the days count.” — Muhammad Ali