At dinner last month, the topic turned to heroes, who were ours, and whether our age is still possible of producing them. The friend who put the question had worshipped Mickey Mantle. That did not end well.
I couldn’t come up with anyone on the spot, but at home, I realized that I did known someone with great and abundant talents, who used them in the service of his fellow man, and who accomplished superhuman feats. Aaron Swartz was a hero for me, and for many others. This too did not end well.
Aaron killed himself a year ago today, and I still mourn him bitterly.