The characteristic of heroism is its persistency. All men have wandering impulses, fits, and starts of generosity. But when you have chosen your part, abide by it, and do not weakly try to reconcile yourself with the world. The heroic cannot be the common, nor the common the heroic.

According to Emerson in this excerpt, what is the difference between the common man and the heroic man?

The heroic cannot be the common, nor the common the heroic.
Answer
The common man tries to do good deeds but usually changes his mind and actions — he is not persistent. To be a hero one must choose a course, stay with it, and not change to meet to others' expectations .