The Psychology of Heroism

December 17th, 2010

       

It’s easy to imagine that those who stand out as ‘heroes’ have some sort of ability, bravery, or internal force that sets them apart from the rest of us. After all, ‘regular people’ struggle with depression and anxiety. Some of us need to find a therapist or counselor to help us with our marriages or identities or past. Who are we to stand up and do what no one else can? But heroes aren’t born—they can be made. This is the idea behind the Heroic Imagination Project, put together by Stanford University Psychologist Phil Zimbardo. Zimbardo works with middle school students to teach them about the psychological tendency to stay on the sideline or turn a blind eye, then gives them the tools to create positive change in their own lives and the lives of others. If heroism can indeed be taught, Zimbardo may indeed be on to something.

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Comments

  • Frankie December 17th, 2010 at 2:32 AM #1

    Its all in the mind,my friend…If you are strong in your mind and believe in yourself then nothing is impossible,be it physical heroism or mental…!

  • larry December 17th, 2010 at 5:34 AM #2

    I do not know if this is a skill that can be taught but I guess it is worth giving it a shot. After all we do not all have to be heroes in the traditional sense but it could teach youngsters that looking out for their fellow man is a good thing and that is a skill that all of us could stand to take to heart.

  • DANNY December 19th, 2010 at 5:18 AM #3

    Heroes are the ones who are able to react faster and those who are mentally very strong…Its not just brawn that plays a part but mental strength is also a big factor…

  • Danielle December 19th, 2010 at 5:37 PM #4

    any plans on seeing this introduced to public school curricula?

  • jeanette December 20th, 2010 at 5:41 AM #5

    I love it! And middle school would be the perfect time to introduce this in full force.

  • Daniel Sandescu December 28th, 2010 at 2:16 AM #6

    My name is Daniel, i am 21 and currently going to college to study to become an Optometrist. I have been put down plenty of times as a child by my father, but i believe he did it because he loved me and cared for me but his approach was very wrong and violent at times. Recently as in two months ago things between me and my girlfriend went awry and my attitude changed from a compassionate person to a person full of distrust, hate, and violence. I started hurting myself and cutting myself and punching one particular stone wall and the only productive thing that came out of that was bleeding knuckles, scars on my body and more pain in my life. It gets worse, my girlfriend stopped me from harming myself but my distrust for her starts fights between us two and i end up grabbing her and shoving her around like she is a toy. Honestly i dont want to do it, and it hurts me to hurt others but my anger gets in the way and gets the best of me. Please help me, I need someone to talk to and find a way to control myself and get rid of this problem before it gets worse. I am scared of what will happen next, and i want to end this problem before anything happens that i will regret for the rest of my life. Please help me get out of this!!!!!!!!!

  • Daniel Sandescu October 31st, 2011 at 4:10 PM #7

    Dear Daniel:

    while you maintain your innocence of past years in your father house, look into the mirror and identify your accomplishments through the freedom you conquered.

    Come home and give the chance of life time for your remedy, discussing the open issues face to face with your father who still loves you and looks for the chance to get your anger.

    Remember: No Peace nor Future, without GOD.

    Search for God, til you will find Him again.
    Turn back to your damaging friends and be ready to pay the price you owe for your knowledgeable wrong choices you have made,.

    Freedom in fulfilling your sins, is bondage to the master of this world.

    “The wages of sin is death, but the gift of God, is eternal salvation, through Jesus Christ, our Lord”.

    Turn back to your accomplishments and become honorable to the Temple of Holy spirit.

    Your sins will find you, no matter where you will be.

    “You can’t do wrong and get by
    No matter how much you may try
    Nothing hidden can be
    Everything He does see
    You can’t do wrong and get by…”

    God continue to be with you.
    Dad.

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