A couple days ago I watched The Princess Bride for something like my 20th time. One of my favorite lines in the movie is Inigo Montoya speaking to Vizzini about his exessive use of the word inconceivable. "You keep using that word. I do not think it means what you think it means."
This is very true for many people in our world today. Furthermore, I do not deny the fact I am also guilty of this. Many words have had their meanings confused and warped over the years, eventually earning an entirely new one. There are many words like this, and sadly Heroism is one of them.
Most commonly, heroism means to be a commander legions, conqueror of foes, and a holder of extraordinary power and skill. Does this truly define the nature of heroism?
During my time reading Beyonders: A World Without Heroes, I happened across a very unexpected and profound quote concerning heroism given by The Blind King. He said:
A while ago, I watched another film in which a criminal was portrayed as the hero. Of course the, notion of him being heroic is absurd, but by common description he is in fact, a hero. He was a champion on the battlefield (Or in other words, he easily crushed the opposition), was a commander of legions (He had a very powerful group followers under his control), and he did possess rare talent and ability. Therefore, this common criminal must be in some sense, heroic.
I have taken time to think about heroism, and what it really is. I feel that I'm ready to take a stab at defining it. Of course, perspectives and interpretations may very, so I will present the following as a mere opinion, You may feel differently, and I respect that. Owning a unique opinion is one of the most beautiful things about being human.
For me, I believe heroism to be composed of many characteristics. Of them all, I feel the most important feature is the determination to never sway from your moral compass in the face of opposition. Heroism is not one, but all the virtues tested until the critical moment of heated competition between heart and perversion. A criminal is born when he betrays his moral compass and resorts to evil to survive. A hero is born when he follows his heart until the end of time.
This is very true for many people in our world today. Furthermore, I do not deny the fact I am also guilty of this. Many words have had their meanings confused and warped over the years, eventually earning an entirely new one. There are many words like this, and sadly Heroism is one of them.
Most commonly, heroism means to be a commander legions, conqueror of foes, and a holder of extraordinary power and skill. Does this truly define the nature of heroism?
During my time reading Beyonders: A World Without Heroes, I happened across a very unexpected and profound quote concerning heroism given by The Blind King. He said:
"So many misconceptions surround the notion of heroism. Far too many categorize a hero as a champion on the battlefield, commander of legions, master of rare talent or ability. Granted, there have been heroes who fit those descriptions. But many men of great evil as well."
A while ago, I watched another film in which a criminal was portrayed as the hero. Of course the, notion of him being heroic is absurd, but by common description he is in fact, a hero. He was a champion on the battlefield (Or in other words, he easily crushed the opposition), was a commander of legions (He had a very powerful group followers under his control), and he did possess rare talent and ability. Therefore, this common criminal must be in some sense, heroic.
I have taken time to think about heroism, and what it really is. I feel that I'm ready to take a stab at defining it. Of course, perspectives and interpretations may very, so I will present the following as a mere opinion, You may feel differently, and I respect that. Owning a unique opinion is one of the most beautiful things about being human.
For me, I believe heroism to be composed of many characteristics. Of them all, I feel the most important feature is the determination to never sway from your moral compass in the face of opposition. Heroism is not one, but all the virtues tested until the critical moment of heated competition between heart and perversion. A criminal is born when he betrays his moral compass and resorts to evil to survive. A hero is born when he follows his heart until the end of time.
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