Dave Chapelle: The Biggest Thing The Responsibility Of Freedom

A hero is someone who has given his or her life to something bigger than oneself.” – Joseph Campbell . Today and every day, we remember those who have made the ultimate sacrifice for our freedom and safety.
What defines a hero? Are all heroes heroic?
A hero is someone who gives of himself, often putting his own life at great risk, for the greater good of others. However, such as in war situations, what is good for others will always divide opinion into opposing camps. Outside of the standard dashing war portraits of men/women facing the gates of Hell, the most heroic are often the most ordinary of people doing ordinary things for a greater humane purpose. Think Mother Teressa or Ghandi. The word "hero" is far too often applied these days without much thought. Like the Media's overuse of the word "closure", its meaning has become muddied and not, as it was meant to be, an extraordinary example of human achievement that makes the rest of us gasp in wonder or question the validity of the honour.

Daniel Lillford, Bridgetown, Nova Scotia, Canada

A hero is any man or woman who refuses to live in an utterly passive manner. However, recognizing that virtue as "heroic" depends on who benefits as a result of that refusal - another person, a tribe, a nation, etc. Blackbeard is a hero to the romantic dreamer trapped at his desk. Drake is a hero to an entire country.

Robert del Valle, Detroit, US

Heroes overcome their fear of danger in order to do good for others. Film stars, rock guitarists and cancer victims are therefore not heroes but curiously footballers are because they risk injury to help their team mates.

Denis Till, London, UK

Shaw's character, Sergius, had some interesting things to say about heroism in 'Arms and the Man'. Still makes me smile.
What Makes a Person Heroic?

What makes a person heroic? Is there a hero gene, naturally giving someone the characteristics of a hero? According to one study, the answer might rest in the type of heroism we are addressing.

In a paper published in 2010, researchers reported that people who engaged in one-time acts of bravery (like rushing into a burning building or rescuing someone from the path of an oncoming train) are not necessarily that much different from control groups of non-heroes.

By contrast, people who engage in lifelong heroism (such as professional nurses who regularly comfort the sick and dying) do share a number of important personality traits such as empathy, nurturance, and a need to live by a moral code.1

Definitions of Heroism

The scientific study of heroism is a relatively recent topic of interest within the field of psychology.

Researchers Franco, Blau, and Zimbardo suggest that heroism involves more than just this, however. In their definition, a heroic person is someone who:Acts voluntarily for the service of others who are in need, whether it is for an individual, a group, or a community

Performs actions without any expectation of reward or external gain

Recognizes and accepts the potential risk or sacrifice made by taking heroic actions

Characteristics of a Hero

Researchers also do not necessarily agree about the central characteristics that make up heroism. One study published in 2015 in the Journal of Personality and Social Psychology suggested that heroes have 12 central traits, which are:3

Bravery

Conviction

Courage

Determination

Helpful

Honesty

Inspirational

Moral integrity

Protective

Self-sacrifice

Selflessness

Strength

The psychology of heroism might not be well understood, but many experts do believe that it is possible for people to learn to be heroes. The following are just a few of the major characteristics that researchers have ascribed to heroes.

Concern for the Well-Being of Others

According to researchers, empathy, and compassion for others are key variables that contribute to heroic behavior.4 People who rush in to help others in the face of danger and adversity do so because they genuinely care about the safety and well-being of other people.

People who engage in acts of heroism have concern and care for the people around them and they are able to feel what those in need of help are feeling.

 The Benefits of Empathy

Understanding Other Perspectives

Researchers suggest that heroes aren't just compassionate and caring; they have a knack for being able to see things from the perspective of others.4 They can "walk a mile in another man's shoes," so to speak.

When they encounter a situation where an individual is in need, they are immediately able to see themselves in that same situation and see what needs to be done to help.

Heroes Have Useful Skills and Strengths

Clearly, having the training or physical ability to deal with a crisis can also play a major role in whether or not people become heroes.