The Shadows were the real heroes of B5. They didn't play games with the younger races like showing up looking like angels, turning them into telepaths or twisting them with decadent introspective philosophy like the filthy Vorlons with their disgusting fetish for religious fanatics. The Shadows asked what do you want but, they didn't protect them from the consequences of their lusts for power.

Evolution is driven by conflict. Growth through pain.

The Shadows were intellectually honest enough to realize it and courageous enough to embrace it.