Joseph Campbell Definition Of A Hero

¨Hard times do not create heroes. It is during the hard times when the hero within us is revealed.¨ (Riley, Bob) In life, there are many different definitions of a hero. Anyone can be labeled as a hero depending on the source. A hero is someone who is admired or idealized for their courage, achievements and noble qualities, however, the definition of a hero can vary depending on the situation or person. A hero in the real world functions by persevering and sacrificing for the better. For instance, a real-life hero is a firefighter. They go out into dangerous fires to save the lives of thousands of people and animals. Joseph Campbell illustrates this when he says, ¨A hero is someone who has given his or her life to something better than oneself.¨(Joseph Campbell) Even though it may be a life-risking task, they still persevere to save lives and inspire everyone around them with their
bravery and courage. The 911 responders and suicide hotline responders are other great examples of normal people who do amazing heroic actions. These heroes talk to real people and help through extremely stressful and hard times in their lives. When Edward Albert explains ¨The simple act of caring is heroic,¨ (Albert, Edward) he means that a person can be a hero by doing something as small as being there to support someone during a challenging time. Being brave and persevering during difficult times are ways of showing heroic qualities. There are millions of examples and ways an ordinary person can show heroic qualities. Abraham Lincoln was the president of the United States during the Civil War. He was faced with many difficulties while pursuing freedom and victory for his country. As said in the sermon, Lincoln was remembered for leaving an everlasting impact on the people. He represented and protected the rights of the people not only in that time but in generations to come. Another situation in which an ordinary person became extraordinary is Frederick Douglass. He was heroic because he showed courage and inspired thousands. In his autobiography, he talks about how he was very fearful of the repercussions if he left his owners. He took a risk for himself and every other slave. Even though he felt mixed emotions about being alone in a big new world, he was brave and inspired everyone with his courage. Heroes are people who are put in everyday positions and make remarkable decisions. A hero is an ordinary person facing extraordinary circumstances and acting with courage, honor, and self-sacrifice.
A hero never gives up when times get rough or get timid when it is time to be brave. In this case, “A hero is not one that never falls. He is one that gets up, again and again, never losing sight of their dreams” (Anonymous) A real-life hero always perseveres and shows their strength by carrying on and sacrificing for the greater good. A hero does not follow the path of others and is unlike any other because of their achievements, abilities, or personal qualities. Jonathan Lockton Huie explains, “If you want to be heroic, do not emulate your heroes, learn from them. Heroes do not follow anyone, they set their own course.” (Jonathan Lockton Huie) The average hero is an ideal or role model under someone’s personal definition of heroic qualities. However, everyone’s hero has different characteristics that make them stand out. Unlike the average person, heroes take their own course, face challenges and act with courage which makes them stand out to resemble a
hero. The concept of a hero is very important in life because it gives people a sense of hope in a hectic world. The ones who stand up and show bravery along with perseverance in times of trouble and need are the figures humans look to for hope and support. By looking back at past heroes such as Abraham Lincoln and Rosa Parks, anyone can reflect and see how every person can better the world today. Courageous and self-sacrificing people set examples for everyone. They teach the public how to hold on one-second longer and have faith in the future. There is a little hero in everyone that keeps them honest, makes them noble and helps the inspire movements toward the improvement of humanity. Heroes are people who are admired for their courage, bravery, and selflessness during times of challenge or struggle where ordinary people would give up.