In Greek mythology, the god Prometheus represents foresight and vision, while his brother, Epimetheus, symbolizes afterthought and impulsivity.
Together, the two deities created humanity and the animals of the earth—but their contrasting approaches reveal a deeper lesson about how we live our lives.
Epimetheus gave animals powerful gifts like claws, fur, and sharp senses. He focused only what was before him in the moment, foolishly forgetting the bigger picture, which included humans. And so when the time came to give humans gifts that could help them survive, nothing was left.
Only Prometheus’ quick thinking saved humans. He gave them fire, setting our species apart from other creatures. He gave this gift because he knew that, long-term, it would have a far greater impact than, say, finding a new type of appendage to stick on top a a human being's skin. In other words, Prometheus gave humanity fire because, unlike his short-sighted brother, he was strategic.
This myth isn’t just a tale about creation—it’s a challenge to us all. Are you living with foresight like Prometheus or in reactive cruise control like Epimetheus?
Living with Intentionality
Many of us fall into Epimethean patterns every single day without realizing it. We go through the motions, reacting to life’s demands without planning or purpose. I did that for years, in fact. I took promotions because they excited me in the moment. I would get angry if I didn't get opportunities I wanted, even if they had nothing to do with my larger career objectives (to the extent I'd even bothered to imagine what those might be). And I usually stayed in a job until I was unhappy, rather than imagining what an inspiring career might look and feel like, then aggressively seeking it out.
At a recent gathering, I met several other lawyers who described their lives as “dead inside.” They were, externally, highly successful but felt they were merely existing—trapped in the grind of their profession. They couldn't even comprehend the idea of shifting gears, or of shooting an arrow at a life that was bolder and more inspiring. They were like the humans before receiving Prometheus's fire: bare and naked in the face of the world's harshest forces.
This is the Epimethean mindset at its most stultifying.
Promethean living, on the other hand, requires intentionality. It’s about foresight—planning for the future, taking control of your destiny, and acting with purpose. It’s the ability to see beyond the immediate to create a life worth living.
To live a Promethean life, you must first recognize when you’re on autopilot. Here are a few signs:
⚡️You feel uninspired or stagnant in your profession.
⚡️ You focus only on short-term goals without a larger vision.
⚡️ You avoid risks or challenges that could lead to growth.
Actionable Steps to Embrace Foresight:
Define Your Vision: Where do you want your life or career to go? Write down specific goals and steps to get there. I ask all of my clients to do this at the very beginning of our work together; it's both surprising and inspiring to see how revelatory this exercise alone can be.
Prioritize Growth: Commit to challenges that push you out of your comfort zone, whether it’s taking on a leadership role or learning a new skill. This can be hard, especially for attorneys and other risk-averse professinals; nonetheless lean hard into taking action here.
Reflect Regularly: Set aside time to evaluate whether your actions align with your long-term goals.
The myth of Prometheus and Epimetheus isn’t just a story—it’s a mirror reflecting how we live. Are you creating your life with intention, or are you stuck in reactive cruise control? The choice is yours.
Explore how foresight can transform your leadership journey by watching my "Myths, Leadership, & Life" YouTube interview HERE.
I want your future to be EPIC!
I'm Scott Mason, The Myth Slayer. I am an attorney and former C-Suite executive, coach, speaker, podcaster, and Master of the Mythic. I graduated from Columbia Law School and have spent years drawing on the full depth of a background spanning the private, public, and nonprofit sectors to provide lawyers feeling stuck or stagnant in their careers or as leaders with a unique (and fun!) system to help them live a life that's epic.
Click here to discover more about me, my mission, and how it can help you.
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