What is a hero?

A hero is defined as a person who gives of himself or herself for the betterment of others. Many times we think of that betterment as being something where the individual risks his or her life in the service or protection of others.

Some of the characteristics of a hero are bravery, compassion, helpfulness, determination, confidence, and self-sacrificing. Many heroes have a strong moral compass and a robust sense of purpose. 

According to an article from the December 27, 2022 issue of the Morning Coach blog, here are seven qualities that are found in a hero:

1. The ability to consider the welfare of others - Empathy and compassion for others play a major role in being a hero. Without the ability to consider the plight of others, we most likely would not consider doing something for others.

2. Courage - One of the most common traits of a hero is that they are brave. While that bravery could be watching out for the physical welfare of others, it can also be more subtle such as doing the right thing even if it isn't popular.

3. Not expecting anything in return - The expectation that you should receive something after performing a heroic act defeats the purpose.

4. Voluntarily doing something without being told - Heroic people do things because they believe they are the right thing to do despite the risk that might be encountered.

5. Optimism - If a person is generally positive and believes something good may come out of their actions, they can commit to a heroic act.

6. Skills and knowledge to do things - Heroic people have the skills and resources necessary to assist others when a situation arises.

7. Values and good morals - Heroic people have a solid moral compass and a value set that allows them to take action. Having strong beliefs pushes people to go farther and risk their safety.

You don't need to be Superman or Wonder Woman to be a hero. Anyone can be a hero. You don't have to perform acts that are dangerous and get you noticed. What's important is that you possess the qualities that make up a hero and apply those traits in your everyday life.

Please check out the video below to hear the story of the youngest hero to receive our nation's highest military award, The Medal of Honor. Also, please leave me a comment about your thoughts on what it takes to be a hero.       and compassion for others play a big part in thinking and acting like a hero. Without the ability to think of putting ourselves in others' situations and considering the plight of people, we probably would not even think of doing any acts of heroism for others

It's been said that we need to defeat our vices and model our virtues. But what is a virtue?

There are 7 heavenly virtues that were formerly mentioned by Pope Gregory I in the 6th Century, and later  expanded upon by St. Thomas Aquinas in the 13th Century. These virtues are: humility, charity, chastity, gratitude, temperance, patience, and diligence.

But long before Pope's and Saints, the Stoic philosopher, Aristotle, postulated the Virtue Theory. The Virtue Theory emphasizes an individuals character rather than following a set of rules. Aristotle believed that if your focus was on being a good person, the right actions would flow from that behavior.  

Furthermore, Aristotle said that having virtue was simply doing the right thing, at the right time, in the right way, in the right amount, toward the right people. Virtue is the sweet spot between the vices of excess and deficiency.

So how does a person learn to be virtuous? According to Aristotle, virtue is a practical wisdom. It is a skill, a character development, a way of living that could only be learned by your own experiences.

Aristotle believed that your character was developed through "habituation," which means that by doing something virtuous over and over, that habit becomes part of your character.

Character is something that is caught not taught. You're not going to read a book or take a class and emerge as someone of good character. Character is developed by emulating the good you see other people doing and refraining from doing the bad you are exposed to.

What makes people want to have good character and become virtuous? Virtue Theory says you should become virtuous because if you do, you can reach the "pinnacle of humanity," which means a life well lived.

However, a well-lived life does not mean everything will be great, actually it means just the opposite. It means you will constantly be setting new goals and pushing yourself to achieve those goals. It means never being satisfied with your current situation. It means constantly striving to improve. 

Does leading a virtuous life sound appealing? Is a life well-lived something that sounds like something you want to strive toward? 

To learn more about The Virtue Theory, check out the video below. Also, leave me a comment about your thoughts regarding living a life of a virtuous person leads to striving to always be the best.