Heroes of To-Day

In Short

This book profiles a diverse group of figures—including explorers, doctors, scientists, and humanitarians—whose lives exemplify courage in the face of modern challenges. By highlighting the grit of men like Arctic explorer Robert Falcon Scott, social reformer Jacob Riis, and administrator Herbert Hoover, the author demonstrates that heroism is not limited to the battlefield. Instead, it is found in the "patient modern way" of fighting disease, poverty, and injustice. These stories have endured because they emphasize personal responsibility and the belief that individual effort can fundamentally improve the welfare of all.

The Story

The narrative begins by addressing a common misconception: that heroes are relics of a distant, mythic past. The author refutes this by introducing a series of contemporary figures who embody the spirit of the pioneer and the knight-errant, though their arenas are the slums of New York, the frozen wastes of Labrador, or the construction sites of the Panama Canal.

The arc of the book follows a trajectory from individual discovery to collective responsibility. It opens with the nature-focused pursuits of John Muir and John Burroughs, who find beauty and scientific truth in the wild, suggesting that a curious, adventurous spirit is the foundation of a meaningful life. This internal drive for exploration is then mirrored in the intellectual struggles of Samuel Pierpont Langley and the physical endurance of Captain Robert Falcon Scott. Scott’s story is presented as a tragic but "undying" example of willpower; even in his defeat at the South Pole, he demonstrates a moral triumph that transcends his failure to reach the goal first.

As the book progresses, the focus shifts toward social and humanitarian labor. Jacob Riis’s journey from a starving immigrant to a crusading journalist illustrates how personal suffering can be channeled into a lifelong vow to expose and eliminate the "plague-spots" of urban poverty. Similarly, the narrative covers the evolution of Dr. Wilfred Grenfell, who leaves a comfortable life in London to provide medical care to the forgotten fishermen of Labrador, and Bishop Peter Trimble Rowe, who brings hope to the harsh frontier of Alaska. These figures represent a shift toward a "new conscience," where the hero is defined by their ability to organize resources and provide relief to others.

The climax of this arc is reached with the career of General George Washington Goethals, the "prophet-engineer" who proves that perseverance can remove mountains, both literally and figuratively, through the completion of the Panama Canal. Finally, the book highlights Herbert C. Hoover, whose organizational genius during the Great War brings bread to starving populations in Belgium. The story concludes by posing a direct challenge to the reader: if one feels sympathy for the suffering of others, how much are they willing to sacrifice to alleviate it? The book ends on this note of individual accountability, framing the "hero of to-day" as anyone who turns their talents toward the service of humanity.

How It Unfolds

The call to adventure The opening section establishes the theme by contrasting the "heroes of old" with modern pioneers. It posits that the spirit of exploration and bravery is not dead, but has simply migrated to the service of science, nature, and the common good.

The natural world as teacher The narrative follows the lives of naturalists who interpret the landscape as a source of truth. By climbing mountains and observing birds, these figures show that deep knowledge of the world is a form of spiritual and intellectual conquest.

The descent into service The focus moves to men who leave behind their own ambitions to serve the marginalized. From the slums of London to the icy coasts of Labrador, these men prioritize the welfare of "active boys" and isolated laborers over personal comfort.

The test of endurance The book examines how heroes respond to catastrophe and systemic failure. Whether it is a captain facing the freezing Antarctic or an immigrant facing the starvation of an urban winter, the text illustrates that the soul remains stronger than any external hardship.

The triumph of organization The final chapters emphasize the power of modern engineering and logistics to change the world. By showcasing the building of the Panama Canal and the relief efforts in Belgium, the book argues that efficiency and administrative skill are as heroic as any physical battle.

The People

The book features a constellation of figures defined by their persistent, practical idealism. John Muir and John Burroughs serve as the spiritual anchors, using their love for nature to advocate for a deeper understanding of the environment. Jacob Riis appears as the champion of the urban poor, a man whose own hunger in New York City fuels his lifelong crusade for better housing and living conditions. Dr. Wilfred Grenfell and Bishop Peter Trimble Rowe represent the medical and spiritual front lines, proving that a life of service in the "wild places of the earth" is a genuine adventure. Captain Robert Falcon Scott is portrayed as the ultimate stoic, whose failure in the Antarctic becomes a testament to human dignity. General George Washington Goethals and Herbert C. Hoover embody the modern, rational hero, using their mastery over logistics and engineering to overcome monumental obstacles, thereby demonstrating that "faith and perseverance can truly remove mountains."

In Its Own Voice

Regarding the necessity of pushing through modern difficulties:

“There are no heroes to-day, no real heroes, are there?” put in another.

This line captures the skepticism of the children the author encounters, which the book attempts to systematically debunk through its biographical profiles.

Regarding the nature of true scientific and physical exploration:

The explorer alone has to go forward in the dark.

This quote introduces the section on Captain Scott, highlighting the uncertainty and inherent danger that defines the explorer’s life as a noble, necessary pursuit of hidden truths.

Regarding the definition of a life well-lived:

“A true mountaineer is never reckless,” he said.

This remark from John Muir underscores the book's argument that true heroism requires a calculated, skillful engagement with reality rather than a reckless disregard for safety.

What It's Really About

The central argument of this work is that heroism is a functional, ethical duty rather than a legendary status. The author posits that the modern era, with its "complex life" and "new conscience," requires a different kind of bravery—one that values organization, empathy, and scientific inquiry over traditional martial prowess. The core question underpinning the narrative is how a person can best use their unique talents to serve the collective welfare. The book suggests that the measure of a human life is found in how one handles adversity and whether one acts with responsibility toward those who have less. It is an argument for the inherent nobility of professional and humanitarian work.

Why Read It Today

Readers who appreciate biographical sketches that emphasize character and moral development will find this volume compelling. The prose is earnest and warm, reflecting an early twentieth-century optimism regarding progress, science, and the power of individual agency. It feels like a series of instructional sermons meant to inspire a sense of duty in the reader.

However, the modern reader should be aware that the text reflects the era in which it was written (1917). The author’s colonial-era perspectives on indigenous populations and her patriotic focus on the "civilizing" influence of European and American leaders may feel dated or exclusionary. The length of the sections varies, and the tone is decidedly high-minded, sometimes bordering on the hagiographic, as it seeks to elevate these figures to near-mythic status.

Despite these period attitudes, the book remains a striking document of its time. It provides a fascinating window into how the early twentieth century viewed the "new" modern world—a world where the frontier was not just land, but also the laboratory, the city slum, and the administrative office. If you are interested in the evolution of the concept of the "public servant" or simply enjoy accounts of men who pushed their physical and mental limits to improve the world, you will likely find these stories moving and, in many places, genuinely timeless.