Part 12: "In Search Of Heroes Book 1" What is your definition of heroism? by Ralph Zuranski
Rhea Perry: Heroism is based on what a person does, not just on who he is. So many people are capable of being role models for others and for making a huge impact in their worlds, but for whatever reasons, they just choose not to.
To me, that’s sad because life is so short. There are so many people we can help if we just get a vision for how we personally can contribute, focus the desire buried deep within our hearts by making a few good decisions, then acting on what we believe.
A hero is someone who acts on his beliefs, instead of just thinking about them. Many of us have heroic qualities; those who qualify to be called heroes overcome fear to act in faith that impacts others.
Sharif Khan: It stems from the original word ‘Hero’ which comes from the Greek roots servos and heroes, which means to serve and protect. So self-sacrifice for the higher good and betterment of humanity is at the heart of being a hero, and what that implies is that the seeds of greatness lie within us all because we all have that innate capacity to serve.
Martin Luther King said it best: “Everyone can be great, because anyone can serve. You don’t have to have college degree to serve. You don’t even have to make your subject and verb agree to serve…You only need a heart full of grace. A soul generated by love.”
Debra Berg: Doing what most people won’t do to help others because of difficult decisions that need to be made or obstacles that have to be overcome.
Jason James: Heroism is, I believe, giving of yourself for a great cause. Talking about the military I think the military is one of the most selfless things that someone could do. I actually have a younger brother that just got out of the Marines and he served four tours of duty, in Iraq twice and also in Afghanistan twice. He is a young kid, 21 years old.
He was actually what is called an O311 which is an infantry man. He was in the front lines. He had incoming fire and he fired on enemies. A 21-year-old kid out there risking his life so that we Americans can live a comfortable, safe life. To me my brother is a hero and if you serve in the military I believe you are a hero because you are possibly giving your life for a greater cause, which is so we here in America can live the cozy life that we live.
To go against the dominant thinking of your friends, of most of the people you see every day, is perhaps the most difficult act of heroism you can perform.
- Theodore Harold White