Stealing Fire From the Gods

Lessons from the story of Prometheus on creativity and the survival of the human spirit in a hostile Capitalist society

Prometheus steals fire from the temple of the gods. Illustration by the Author

In the realm of Greek mythology, the figure of Prometheus emerges as a complex character, renowned for his cunning intellect and daring exploits. It is said that Prometheus, whose name translates to “Forethought,” played a pivotal role in the tumultuous clash between the Titans and the Olympian gods. Led by the formidable chief among the gods, Zeus, a mighty struggle ensued that raged for over a decade.

Prometheus’s most enduring feat was his audacious theft of fire from the realm of the gods. Venturing into the sacred workshop of Hephaistos and Athena atop Mount Olympus, he dared to steal the vital element and bestowed it upon humanity, concealed ingeniously within a hollow fennel-stalk. This act of benevolence not only gifted mankind with the transformative power of fire but also imparted the knowledge of metalworking, laying the groundwork for human advancement in…