Heroism in the Modern World

Newspapers frequently publish stories of heroism--ordinary people who find themselves faced with an emergency and boldly respond to the need. These people deserve our recognition. Moreover, our admiration can make them role models, encouraging others to follow their lead. Furthermore, they depend on the support we provide in terms of protection of their lives, health, and well-being should they be injured in the performance of their heroism. In this way, we all contribute to continuing the altruistic tradition without which civilization cannot survive.

Some among us go further, choosing to make heroism a way of life. Motivated by love, outrage, guilt, these people sacrifice comfort to do good. What do they gain? The satisfaction of making the world a better place? Or would it be too painful to live with the memory of turning away?

We benefit by heroism. Every day, the legacy of heroic acts adds to our real and perceived security. We know that people will come out of the woodwork to help us, and villains know it too. Most of us have been helped by acts of selflessness, and we've helped others when circumstances demanded. More than that, we reap the benefits of crusades to stop crime, to eliminate ignorance, to make life safer and more promising for all of us.

They cannot do it alone. Heroism must be demonstrated and supported by more members of society than work against it, or civilization unravels.

Here are links to more information about heroes:

• Rachel Corrie, martyred by Zionism.
• Dalai Lama, exiled leader of the Tibetan people.
• Chico Mendes, who died protecting the Amazon rain forest.
• Eric Morse, who refused a life of crime.
• Ralph Nader, making our travel safer.
• Lilia Rios, who protected 31 children from a bus hijacker.
• Andrew Vachss, advocate for abused children, at "The Zero" or at Dark Horse
• Many heroes listed at The Servant Heroes Webpage
• The My Hero project.
• Planet City News--positive articles, acts of heroism, good fortune, and corporations acting in the public interest.

Further discussion of heroism

• Advice on heroic living.

For comparison, more heroic societies:

• A Hero's Voice--a comic book about passing on the tradition of heroism in Ojibwe culture.
• A discussion of the concept of heroism in history, focusing on Hannibal Barca.

Literary references

• A discussion of Conrad's Lord Jim (visually difficult to read).

Charity

Worldwide Fund for Mothers Injured in Childbirth

Advice of a guest columnist on heroic living.

Sample the rest of this site.