Hero Definition Essay
The definition of a hero is a relatively simple one; a hero is someone who positively impacts others through their actions and accomplishments. While we all have different views on who exactly we see as a hero, there are certain individuals, such as Martin Luther King Jr. and Abraham Lincoln, who have undeniably changed the world and fit this definition. I have found that many of the individuals who society, and I personally, view as great heroes, share a certain set of traits that almost definitely had a large part in their accomplishments. This is why I believe that bravery, selflessness, and determination are three vital traits when it comes to defining what it means to be a hero. The first of these traits, bravery, is absolutely essential.
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This is why selflessness is another important factor in what it means to be a hero. A hero takes action for the purpose of helping others, without hidden motives or personal agendas. Heroes are willing to forget about their own needs when faced with the needs of others. One such example of selflessness is found in the story of Victoria Soto. The schoolteacher was only 27 years old when she gave her life trying to shield her young students during the Sandy Hook Elementary shooting in Connecticut. This action shows selflessness in its most pure form, completely abandoning concern for oneself in the process of helping, or in this case saving, others. While sacrificing ones life to save another’s is an extreme example of this, it can also be found in the actions of the everyday heroes that surround us. A working single mother is an example of a selfless hero that we are surrounded by in our day-to-day life. While she isn’t literally giving her life for anyone, a single mother who has to work long hours and sacrifice sleep and other wants to provide for her children is displaying selflessness and most certainly establishing herself as a hero to her children and those around her. “A hero is somebody who is selfless, who is generous in spirit, who just tries to give back as much as possible and help people. A hero to me is someone who saves people and who really deeply cares.” – Debi
This is why selflessness is another important factor in what it means to be a hero. A hero takes action for the purpose of helping others, without hidden motives or personal agendas. Heroes are willing to forget about their own needs when faced with the needs of others. One such example of selflessness is found in the story of Victoria Soto. The schoolteacher was only 27 years old when she gave her life trying to shield her young students during the Sandy Hook Elementary shooting in Connecticut. This action shows selflessness in its most pure form, completely abandoning concern for oneself in the process of helping, or in this case saving, others. While sacrificing ones life to save another’s is an extreme example of this, it can also be found in the actions of the everyday heroes that surround us. A working single mother is an example of a selfless hero that we are surrounded by in our day-to-day life. While she isn’t literally giving her life for anyone, a single mother who has to work long hours and sacrifice sleep and other wants to provide for her children is displaying selflessness and most certainly establishing herself as a hero to her children and those around her. “A hero is somebody who is selfless, who is generous in spirit, who just tries to give back as much as possible and help people. A hero to me is someone who saves people and who really deeply cares.” – Debi