What is Heroism?

“Heroism is not only in the man, but also in the occasion.” – Calvin Coolidge. What is heroism exactly? Is it a feeling, or a condition? If one were to look up the official definition, they would find that heroism is simply heroic conduct especially as exhibited in fulfilling a high purpose or attaining a noble end. However, there are so many ways that heroism can be executed, and even more reasons why heroism is awakened in people. To me, heroism is a feeling which can be provoked by the urge to protect, and the urge to prove one’s self to others.

            Many contemporary authors base their books around one specific hero (especially fiction books). The hero usually has a goal, which is to defeat somebody else, or to live through some hardships. Every single one of these stories contains a moment, where the hero actually becomes heroic, and saves the situation. The urge to protect a loved one, or a place that is cherished, can easily awaken one’s inner hero. Heroism is simply the act of putting that inner hero to action. In real everyday life, there are heroes who are just like us. They eat and sleep, and have fun. However, their jobs endanger them in order to protect many others. Namely firemen and policemen, these people show true heroism (even though it sounds and seems much less downplayed than for example, medieval heroism), and protect the lives of everybody else. Just like most other feelings (since heroism is a feeling awakened by certain situations), heroism can arise in anybody willing to protect. It doesn’t necessarily have to be jumping in the way of a bullet for somebody. However, it also cannot be something small, like swatting a mosquito which is about to make its way onto your friend’s body. Heroism has a certain border, where an everyday act of human kindness crosses into a heroic act which one can even boast about. This leads to the next major situation which can inspire heroism.

            Picture yourself in the middle of a knight’s duel. The public is cheering for you, despite the extreme size of the enemy. You had heard a rumor that he has defeated over 100 men. However, you entered the competition in order to win the hearts of the princess, the king, and all of his people. The moment you realize that you need to prove yourself to such a prestigious audience, you concentrate harder, and a sudden sense of heroism allows you to defeat your enemy. This example shows how another famous situation can awaken heroism in one’s mind. The pure presence of heroism can allow a person to do amazing things. This cause, of course, is a lot less noble than the previous, since it is for one’s own gain. Still though, it is a perfect example of heroism. Just like in the scenario of one person protecting others, this scene has its limits. One cannot be called a hero for winning a game of cards, or a hot dog eating contest. The atmosphere must be grand, and the result – unmatchable. A good contemporary example is a sport championship, where a victory can mean fame, money, and/or better. A player can shine, knowing inside that this one specific match must be won. A modern day “hero”, who aspires to win for their (and their team’s) success, often does so in a heated moment where the line between average and heroic is crossed.

            Heroism is a grand idea. It can be interpreted in many different ways, the same way that love and art can be interpreted. To protect somebody, or to prove one’s self to others are prime examples of moments when heroism occurs. Heroism is felt everywhere during that time: in the person harnessing its power, in the situation which draws it out, and in the atmosphere at the location. Part of feeling contemporary heroism is knowing about heroes during the times of knights and in fantasy tales. Relating to other heroes can often bring out the hero in each and every one of us. Heroism is a feeling achievable to anyone willing to succeed in an important situation.