Hereditary Skills

Resourcefulness is a characteristic human trait which Dædalus sure knows how to use. As he tries to escape from Minos, he shows us that being creative rather than being a pessimist will take you out of trouble in some situations. ““Minos may control the land and sea,” said Dædalus, “but not the regions of the air. I will try that way.”” He doesn’t stick to the ordinary human way of thinking that there is nothing left to do but complain.

The myth also shows how us that humans are always passing on knowledge of all that we have accomplished and learned from our life experience to our next generation. “Icarus, my son, I charge you to keep at a moderate height, for if you fly too low the damp will clog your wings, and if too high the heat will melt them. Keep near me and you will be safe.” We can also see how Dædalus is trying to protect his son, always knowing and advising what might happen. I also think it is a way to explain to children that they should pay attention to what their parents say because they always know something we don’t. It would save all of us a lot of pain and sad results if we
listened to those who have proven to be wiser and more experienced than ourselves.

Through the myth, we can also see that even when we are part of a great family, with exceptional members; we are each still independent and uniquely different individuals who have very different personal goals and interests. “Dædalus was so envious of his nephew’s performances that he took an opportunity, when they were together one day on the top of a high tower, to push him off.” We all have egoism and jealousy to a certain degree, and are all looking for things that benefit our own goals, but it doesn’t have to lead to such destructive, immoral behavior such as taking another’s life. Family/society must teach its members to reign in these intense negative rivalries and comparisons or else the whole fabric of society can become very violent and chaotic. Solidarity, compassion, sharing in the others achievements through sincere caring has to be nurtured and taught through example and through literature.