 Discussing heroism through multiple perspectives (gen z, older generations, pop culture

throughout the 10’s, historical figures)

 Why do people we admire tend to succumb to repeated moral failings?

  Do we expect moral perfection from those who show great competence in one sphere of
life?

 Why do we conveniently overlook the obvious fact that all human heroes are inevitably as
human as they are heroic?

 And then why do we seem to punish heroes more for their human foibles than we do non-
heroes?

Heroism and its impact on one’s

accomplishments
Hello, my name is Matei and it is my duty as a functional member of
society to take part in shaping the personalities we so blatantly idolize and take
for role models. Why is it essential to hold heroism to its rightful noteworthiness
when it comes to the various impacts it has either on already influential people
or the average human being? We are introduced to the concept of heroism and
seeking superiority at any cost the moment we encounter our first social
interactions with other groups or individuals, so it is of high importance to pass
the knowledge we gain along with aging to the youth racing to adulthood behind
us.
Let’s start by analyzing the reason for our inherent thirst for placing
others on a pedestal. As our nature dictates, we are prone to constant
comparisons due to a more and more demanding lifestyle caused by no longer
static, but perennially changing trends that we create ourselves. Defining
heroism is getting increasingly difficult as it is a matter of subjectivity, each
individual prioritizing different aspirations and dreams. However all heroes have
something in common: they all set limits, no matter how high or low, for those
striving to follow in their footsteps to achieve. This is highly useful in
encouraging and nourishing healthy competitivity amongst active and pre-active
members that together make up the entirety of our society, thus leading up to
higher ideals and values.
But do we expect too much from our idols? Overall, the answer would
probably be affirmative. Truthfully, we tend to have unrealistically elevated
expectations regarding almost every aspect of life. Think of it this way: were I to
personally gift you the only piece of candy I had left, the next time you saw me
would you expect me to generously grant you another one, or ask for it back? To
the people that thought the first option was more likely, congratulations, you
presumably see the best in people and have a generally more optimistic output
on life, doubtlessly as the majority of our population. To the ones expecting the
contrary case, you seemingly appear to present a more realistic, perhaps even
pessimistic perception of interactions, thus not awaiting opportunities to be
given to you and developing a more pragmatic view. The same applies to heroes
and our standards for them. Most people expect one or two considerate gestures
or scientific discoveries to represent devotement to mankind as we know it and
constancy regarding altruism, hence the currently growing uprising created by
many artists or other well known personalities against fame and its downsides.
A great example of a highly regarded hero by many is Nikola Tesla, who,
despite struggling with what could have only been diagnosed as Obsessive
Compulsive Disorder, or OCD, predicted great inventions such as the electrical
“bath” and led to the use of the "Tesla coil," designed to step up electrical
voltages at high frequencies. However, he dealt with major moral and
mental failings, presenting idiosyncratic habits, such as his obsession with
the number 3, or wiping his dishes with exactly 18 (a number divisible by 3)
napkins before dining. These were demeanors that greatly impaired his
daily life, which tended to be one surrounded by “madness” and constant
analysis of every environment he found himself in, aspects which, ironically,
were crucial to his genius discoveries, proving that no considerable
achievement can be reached in the absence of sacrifice, be it voluntary or
involuntary.
The reasoning behind our inability to perceive those who show great
competence in one sphere of life as humans, but instead as polished, glistening
portrayals of qualities close to perfection consists of our own unattained goals
that we fail to achieve and of which we desire to see the possibility of
happening, as to reassure ourselves of our own capability to succeed. So
definitively, how do we resolve the issue of lack of empathy and compassion
towards heroes? First of all, we must come to terms with the fact that, despite
what is being said by many optimistic people, not all dreams can come true. The
moment we realize that the sky is most likely not the limit, but that we, as
individuals, set our own limits is the moment heroes will not find it necessary to
appear as close to perfection. Second of all, what needs to be set straight is the
concept that all heroic figures are just as average as the rest of humanity, which
most certainly, is not the case. Controversial as it may sound, I think that, while
technically anyone could prove their unmatched courage, intelligence or other
characteristics often used in describing a heroic act, heroism, as a concept, is
defined by selflessness and requires giving without expecting, traits incredibly
hard to find nowadays. Excellence should never go unrewarded with gratuity,
for that is what helps most of us define our self worth and keeps us motivated,
needs of which, by definition, heroes do not think when taking action in
distressing situations. In conclusion, not everyone can be a hero, but those who
are will battle criticism, whether self induced or external, as they are the ones
everyone turns to guidance to. So the real question is: Do we expect too much
from our heroes, or do we expect too little from ourselves? Thank you