Heroism

Guy Kawasaki points out Dr. Philip Zimbardo’s article “The Banality of Heroism.”

The authors claim that our current definition of a hero is substantially watered down from its meaning of generations ago. Heroism used to encompass bravery, fortitude, gallantry, valor. Today we don’t think about the deep meanings of these words nor about how we might engage in bravery. The label of hero is often applied to those who made no choices but only survived some catastrophic circumstance. Perhaps our pursuit of personal peace and risk aversion is responsible for the dumbing down of heroism and even our lack of heroic imagination.

To regain a sense of heroic imagination, the authors suggest:

1. Maintain constant vigilance for situations that require heroic action. Don’t be passive just because no one else is taking any action.
2. Learn not to fear interpersonal conflict because you took a stand.
3. Imagine alternative future scenarios beyond the present moment.
4. Resist the urge to rationalize and justify inaction. Remember evil means aren’t acceptable to achieve a righteous goal.
5. Trust that people will appreciate heroic (and frequently unpopular) actions.

I wonder what other ways we might develop the ability for heroism, in ourselves and in our children. The accounts of biblical heroes, as well as heroic tales like Tolkein’s Lord of the Rings, will stimulate a heroic imagination. By the way, heroism is not always demonstrated with physical action—consider theologian Dietrich Bonhoeffer’s struggle against Nazism.