Heroes and Heroism on Presidents’ Day

On Presidents’ Day it seems appropriate to address the topic of heroism. 

Heroism involves a behavior or action on behalf of another person or for a moral cause.

Heroes overcome hardships, take responsibility for their actions, develop their unique talents and gifts and use them to serve others.

Heroic acts are performed voluntarily without recompense or material gain. Usually some kind of risk is involved, either physical or social to serve people or communities.

(Among our presidents, ranked at the top of the list of great heroes are George Washington, Abraham Lincoln and Franklin D. Roosevelt.)

Pete Seeger, folk singer and champion of progressive causes, who died at age 94 on January 28, was a hero. He was an unofficial ambassador for democracy and peace, a political activist, who sang all over the world, uplifting and uniting us in melody and feelings of togetherness. “His cultural mission was democratic...and political too.” (The New York Times, Jan. 29, A20).

By contrast, the antihero fails to take responsibility and blames other people for his misery. He (and his actions) deplete(s) others too. (More than likely, everyone has lived  through moments of heroism and anti-heroism!)

We don’t all have to be heroes in the traditional or historical sense. But we can channel the spirit of heroism through our own acts of personal discovery. Entering uncharted territory of the psyche, acknowledging and owning our authenticity, involves the heroic qualities of courage, focus, dedication and determination.

For some people life is so difficult that getting out of bed each day is an act of heroism. Someone who has been addicted to drugs or alcohol may have to make the heroic effort to remain sober.

Seeds of heroism reside in the discovery and development of our unique talents, whether recognized by the world or not. (I am grateful to be privy to the lives of many people who become heroes and heroines in their struggle for authenticity, for the love (by which I mean positive attachments) they have shown to help their families, friends, colleagues and more.)

Conclusion: We’re heroes when we face our fears, take responsibility for our lives and develop our unique gifts and talents to contribute to the world.

Dear Reader, Your comments are welcome. Jsimon145@gmail.com