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Definition of heroism essay
Qualities of a Hero
Qualities of a Hero
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Heroism is different to each person. To someone it might be to look impressive, or act above the ordinary. To someone else, it might be have amazing strength or courage in danger situation. Or maybe it might be having all of the heroic qualities, such as doing brave actions or having great determination. I can’t tell someone what the definition of heroism because there are just so many. But to me, heroism can be well described in this quote from Arthur Ashe. “True heroism is remarkably sober, very undramatic. It is not the urge to surpass all others at whatever cost, but the urge to serve others at whatever cost.”
This quote is one basic theme, selflessness. Selflessness is to not push others out of your way so that you can be the hero, but is to direct others in the right direction. Doi...
Although not every hero shouts “Avengers Assemble” before a worthy deed, heroism is shown in all aspects of the everyday world. Webster Dictionary has exactly 5 definitions under the word hero and still no two people explain heroism the same. Superman and Captain America are a glimpse of the fictional characters society titles a hero. Firefighters and Military portray heroism each day in the lives of every civilian. As Sullivan and Venter stated “individuals are referred to as ‘heroes’ for seemingly different reasons” and even through endless studies the adjectives referring heroes is ever changing. Among the various ideas of what it means to be a hero, boldness and valiance capture the essence of heroism.
George Orwell once offered this definition of heroism: ordinary people doing whatever they can to change social systems that do not respect human decency, even with the knowledge that they can’t possibly succeed.
Webster’s dictionary defines a hero as any man admired for his courage, qualities or exploits, especially in war. Some people attribute the term hero mostly to war. My personal definition of a hero is someone who takes a stand against evil or an unjust cause. The term hero can be applied to anyone, it isn’t necessary to save the world from explosion to be a hero. The act of standing up for a friend can also be called a heroic act.
A hero is someone who is confident and competent. They show that they are fearless and put others before them. A hero is alert and aware of the lives he or she lives. Heroes usually have a passion for what they do and they do it and finish it, no matter the consequence. Therefore sacrifice contributes more to heroism because heroes putting themselves before others shows that they are selfless.
What is a hero? A hero can be classified as a number of things. A hero can be a person who in the opinions of others has heroic qualities or has performed a heroic act and is regarded as a model or ideal. Ervin Staub, a holocaust survivor from Hungary and as scholar on altruistic behavior, has written, "Goodness like evil often begins in small steps. Heroes evolve; they aren't born. Very often the rescuers make only a small commitment at the start, to hide someone for a day or two. But once they had taken that step, they begin to see themselves differently, as someone who helps. What starts as mere willingness becomes intense involvement." The business man, Oskar Schindler, demonstrated a powerful example
Between sacrifice and success, sacrifice contributes more to heroism. A hero is someone who would be willing to sacrifice almost anything for something greater. Heros also show great courage, leadership, and sometimes other qualities. Usually, a hero will sacrifice themselves to protect other people, displaying that they are caring. Being a hero can be defined or seen in several ways, but sacrifice is still important to heroism.
All in all, heroism is a vague word that could be defined as many of things. Such as bravery, courage, honesty, morality, trusts...etc. If Beowulf was defined as a hero then the knight should be defined as one also seeing as he gave the old women the choice to be old and good or pretty and bad. Or if the Author of The Art of Courtly love cannot be heroic and then write in a way of being heroic how can one decide what heroism is. All three of these studies show different forms and fashions of heroic people, feelings, and attitudes. Overall heroism is and always will be based on personal opinion, what one person defines as a hero can be completely different from what another person sees it as.
Heroism entails several things; a selfless act, courage, or the accomplishments of bold and daring expeditions. A hero can also mean courage in the face of death. Others may view this type of hero as stupid, or a martyr. Every hero has faults and these faults along with heroic deeds make the man or woman; a hero, heroine.
Beowulf is the exact image of a perfect hero. He is unimaginably strong, selfless, determined and courageous. Victor Frankenstein may be much less of a hero, but a hero nonetheless. Heroism is often seen as someone who is strong, brave, selfless and determined. It is someone who would risk their own life for the benefit of others. It is someone who is physically strong and mentally capable of enduring extreme pain and hardship. Heroism can ultimately be defined as someone who puts others ahead of themselves.
Hero, an interesting adjective with many different meanings and interpretations, but what really is a hero? Is heroism only rescuing the world from a villain? Can It be a small action of kindness? According to Google, heroism is "great bravery". In the novel "The Outsiders" written by S.E Hinton is about two gangs the "Greasers" and the "Socs" who despise each other and get into conflicts. Heroism is not only a matter of saving the world, but a small act of kindness, as evidenced by Johnny, Ponyboy, and Dally.
What I personally believe makes a hero, is a person that is brave and courageous. Courage is one of the biggest characteristics you need to be considered a hero. Heroism is all about how far you’ll go to protect or serve the people and how far you go is all about how much courage and bravery you have to take such quality to the next level.
The official definition of heroism is bravery. Over the course of time the definition of heroism has generally remained although here and there you’ll find various extra details depending on the people and time period. While a definition is fact, a concept is actually seeing your ideas and beliefs become a reality. Definitions may not change but the concepts most definitely do. Since a concept is based on beliefs it can change at any point in time. When put into a span of over a thousand years it becomes even more visible to see how it’s been twisted and varied. Beowulf, Sir Gawain & the Green Knight, King Lear, and Paradise Lost all perfectly exemplify how the concept of heroism can change yet stay the same over time, and even more specifically over a span of about 1,000 years.
Heroism can show itself in many shapes and forms from ordinary people to heroic and courageous people something to think about is that anyone can show heroism. A lot of people have shown heroism just by doing the right thing such as just helping someone or not acting mean towards others. heroism can show itself in many different forms but sadly some ordinary people don’t get recognized for the heroic acts that they do. Many different people just don’t recognize heroism from ordinary people as they just think of superheroes and supervillains. In reality anyone can achieve heroism as long as they strive for it. While ordinary people can sometimes not be recognized for acts of heroism, these heroes are courageous and can defeat all of the challenges
When I think of a hero I immediately think of someone who is strong, intelligent, handsome, and daring. Upon closer examination, many different qualities than these become apparent. Courage, honesty, bravery, selflessness, and the will to try are just a few of the overlooked qualities of a hero. The definition of heroism changes with the context and time. Heroes of the past are not necessarily heroes of present time and vise versa.
To better understand what a heroic quality is it may be easier to describe what a hero is not. Nearly everyday on television people talk of athletes and celebrities as being heroes, but are they? To put it mildly, they are not heroes at all. Possibly role models, but for the most part, not in possession of heroic qualities. When Michael Jordan and Bruce Willis, by risking their lives, save an abandoned child from a typhoon they will possess the qualities to be called heroes in my opinion. Policemen and firemen are at times classified as heroes. Until they prove themselves they are just ordinary people. The title heroic is not given by occupation, rather by achievement.