Rest, toil, sleep, work, leisure, worry, serenity; these are qualities of great Heroes. Nearly all civilizations consider a dimension of human potentiality which is able to achieve greatness by becoming a Hero. The western and Eastern cultures each encompass their own individual and distinct conceptions of "The Hero." What then is truly considered a hero is only a matter of perception. The Chinese culture conceptualizes a hero as being restful, serene, and free of thoughts. In contrary, a western hero is traditionally viewed to be restless, bustle, and strong. As different as they are, heroes of the western and eastern worlds, both try to achieve greatness beyond all. Through any means, may through attaining a free mind, or through self sacrifice, heroes, always achieve greatness. Ultimately all heroes attain immortality, recognition, and superiority. Clearly then, conceptions of a hero and achieving greatness, are at times parallel, and at other times divergent, within cultures. Consequently what creates a hero is only the perception what a hero is and does.
Sleep is what Chen Tuan does, and blithe is what he is! Conceptions of Chinese literature reiterate that achieving an untroubled mind is the ultimate form of existence and the road to greatness. What then is greatness according to eastern conceptions? "Only if one learns to be like the moon and find tranquility amidst the hustle and bustle of life can one attain true leisure" (p 240). It is apparent that people strive and struggle to attain true leisure. Hence leisure is outwardly the definitive from of greatness and prominence. And therefore the conception of an ultimate being is a person who has achieved true leisure. This ultimate being is no other person than a hero of Chinese culture. Mr. Chen Tuan is a hero. He is truly a carefree man, with nothing to do but sleep. The story Chen Xiyi Rejects Four Appointments from the Imperial Court, describes this in detail.
