Who is your hero?
A year or so ago I was working on this talk. In that talk, I was highlighting people I admired like Gandhi, MLK Jr., and Mother Teresa. I feel like they were shining lights that pointed in the right direction. They are looked up to by most people in our global community.
One of the evaluators met with me and started saying very negative things about each of these people. She really didn’t like them. I know all of us are complex - we all have good, neutral, and bad parts of ourselves. None of us are perfect. Still, however, even with their challenges, quirks, and idiosyncrasies, I maintained that they were heroes.
She strongly disagreed. I then asked her "okay, who are your heroes?" She sat there stunned. Baffled. She thought and thought and thought. Then she looked up to me and said I don’t have any heroes. It was my turn to be stunned. I couldn’t believe it. I said you don’t admire anyone? She flatly said “no” and suggested I was naive for believing that humanity can have heroes.
Here is how Wikipedia defines a hero:
A hero (feminine: heroine) is a real person or a main fictional character who, in the face of danger, combats adversity through feats of ingenuity, courage, or strength. The original hero type of classical epics did such things for the sake of glory and honor. Post-classical and modern heroes, on the other hand, perform great deeds or selfless acts for the common good instead of the classical goal of wealth, pride, and fame. The antonym of hero is villain.[1] Other terms associated with the concept of hero may include good guy or white hat.
I’m writing this post because I think it is important for us to have heroes. They are human like us, but somehow able to walk past the muck and free themselves from the shackles that capture most of us. They see beyond the immediate and share a vision of a much better future. They inspire, motivate us, and speak to our better angels.
The following is a scale put together by an old writer called David Hawkins. He was attempting to create a scale of consciousness that helped to capture much of what has been written in the wisdom literature. People with higher levels of consciousness experience expanded awareness and inner peace, while those with lower levels may be navigating through various challenges and complexities.
There have been many criticisms of his thinking and this scale in general. I agree with many of them. To me, it isn’t important how he found these levels, but whether or not they are a directionally correct or helpful way of looking at human behavior. I think it is a helpful tool or guide for personal growth and development.
People that are in pain often feel like they are in the lower levels. I see trauma or distress or unresolved issues as weights that keep a person down. We want to float up like an air balloon and become stronger and more compassionate, but we have these sandbags on us that keep us down. When we heal, we cut those sandbags and find ourselves moving up the scale.
Pragmatically, I think it would be possible for us as a community (or even more broadly) to map public figures from throughout history and even now to this scale. I’d argue that a few of my heroes mentioned above (Gandhi, Mother Teresa, and MLK) would be near the top of the scale. And if enough of us voted, then I’d think we’d see people start to see votes cluster in certain areas.
Why am I focusing on heroes? I think heroes are an accessible way for us to understand the power compassionate people can have on the world. Hawkins would argue that the higher one goes up this scale, the more true they are or the more integrity they have, and therefore they have a bigger impact. Enlightened people like MLK didn’t have a big marketing or propaganda budget. His ideas had to stand or fall on the merits. And his ideas soared and caused a society to rally behind him.
Truth is durable, strong, inspirational, and unifying. Things that survive for a long time tend to be true. Lies have a short shelf life. They are fleeting, weak, draining, and cause division.
On this scale, it seems like the more humility one has (the less ego) the more one moves up the scale. This is an important distinction because many scales or lists emphasize people with the most money, power, or fame for example.
We understand that not everyone indeed has a clear-cut hero in their life. Maybe you haven't met someone who embodies what you admire, or maybe you haven’t identified a hero that could be a past, present, or historical figure. But that doesn't mean a hero doesn't exist for you! It just means that you might not have thought of them yet. Imagine your hero. What makes them stand out? Don't worry about finding them in the real world just yet. Just share what you can.
We need heroes now more than ever. It is a time for increased awareness and clarity. It is good and noble for us to find and champion heroes. They speak to us today and they show us a better path forward.
I’d like to better understand our community’s heroes. I think they would tell us a lot about us. Please share any thoughts, ideas or recommendations below and here are some questions to consider to help us better understand your heroes.
Who are your heroes? Can be personal (like friends or family), in the past (historical figures), present or even fictional.
Do you have a picture or video that you can share here?
Why do you admire them (1-3 sentences)?
Where would you put them on the above scale?
@GlenM
Who are your heroes? Can be personal (like friends or family), in the past (historical figures), present or even fictional.
My heroes in day to day life are people struggling with mental illnesses, with poverty, disabilities etc. (our members) who no matter what focus on the light ahead and not the darkness that might want to trap them.
Also Thich Nhat Hanh (teacher but I see him also as a hero) Tina Turner and Nelson Mandela (RIP)
Why do you admire them (1-3 sentences)?
I admire Thich Nhat Hanh (RIP) for always having kept love for the world in his heart no matter what happened.
I admire Tina Turner (RIP) them for her strength to not let what happened pull her down but move forward and help others too.
I admire Nelson Mandela (RIP) for his strength by overcoming injustice and not let it destroy him but focus on improving conditions for people.
@amiablePeace77 yes!!! "(our members) who no matter what focus on the light ahead and not the darkness that might want to trap them."
So well said! Another nod to the power of determination and perseverance!
It has been a while since I've ready any Thick Nhat Hanh. Those ideas can be a little slippery. Like you get them, but then they vanish. They do a nice job of making them more practical.
Tina Turner is a great mention. I remember there being a Broadway show. I didn't get to see it. Movie too?
And great example in Nelson Mandela as well. I've had his Long Walk to Freedom on my list for years. One of those books where it feels like you have to be ready for it - or at least that is how I see it.
@GlenM
Hi Glen! 😊 ❤️ Thank you for this fantastic and thought provoking forum post! I have enjoyed hearing your thoughts and they just so happen to be in direct alignment mine. Yes, I too have hero's.
I find it interesting that someone that was in a position to evaluate your speech as well as your thoughts quickly went to the negative in an effort to pick your personal hero's apart. I have to wonder what the purpose of that was? 🤔 Also interesting that upon questioned, your evaluator deemed no one to be a hero from their perspective and that there is no one that they admire. Fascinating!
Some moments, certain comments that others make to us say a great deal more about them than us as well as what it is that they are attending to. I find your interaction with this evaluator to be quite telling.
Thank you for providing the scale. I really liked reading that. Higher levels of consciousness equating to expanded self awareness and inner peace seems pretty spot on to me! It reminds me a bit of Maslows work and reaching "self actualization'" as well as other work done for personality....high conscientiousness and highly agreeable related to less psychopathy.
I also love that you mentioned humility and the loss of the ego the higher one moves up on the scale. I agree. I have enjoyed reading about the Dunning-Kruger effect and I feel as if I'm able to witness this play out in life, many times.
The more you think you are fantastic and really good at what it is that you do, the less likely that is true. For me, it's the humble and service driven leadership types that truly are the hero's in the end. They got no end game. No brass ring to reach for. They simply "are". They are simply able to "be". They question themselves as well as their actions often in an effort to do the right thing and instead of reaching for power or glory, they are mindful and stay focused on doing good things for others.
Some of my hero's are Gandhi, Jesus Christ and Mother Teresa. Much to learn from there, in my opinion. I love what was coined by Mother Teresa "Do it anyway". It's a good thing to revisit. By "doing it anyway" sometimes we as people have the ability to become the hero's in our own stories and lives. Anyone can be a hero for others and my feelings are if that if you do so, you might just go higher on some of these scales as a natural by product, sleep well at night, feel good about yourself as well as others. It can be a shedding of the ego, less offense taken, commitment to never harm but only help as well as not bitter, only better.
Some other hero's of mine are Marcus Lemonis from the tv show "The Profit". (nice play on words). He has attained his wealth and for making sound business decisions and so he used that to help other businesses to become more profitable in all of the right ways. He not only provided the financial backing, he taught them a better way of being.....boots on the ground.
Paul Buchheit is also a hero of mine. To learn the origin story of 7 cups is quite fascinating. To understand Buchheit's involvement as well as intentions to use his wealth to be an angel investor for others that only do good things, to believe in them and help is quite honorable. That man doesn't have to work another day in his life however, he chooses to do so.
I have lots of hero's here on 7 cups. Some are in this very thread already and I won't embarrass them. Some may come along later and visit this thread. If you think you might be one of my hero's, you probably know me pretty well, are spot on and you know that you live in these words. Most grateful for all of our hero's here! ❤️
Thanks again Glen for this amazing forum post. I really loved being a part of this today! ❤️
*high fives* 😊 and *hugs* ❤️
@SparkyGizmo lots to unpack here! We share many heroes! I had read that "do it anyway" and have pasted below. I didn't realize it was attributed to Mother Teresa.
People are often unreasonable, illogical, and self-centered.
Forgive them anyway.
If you are kind,
people may accuse you of selfish ulterior motives.
Be kind anyway.
If you are successful,
you will win some false friends and some true enemies.
Succeed anyway.
If you are honest and frank,
people may cheat you.
Be honest and frank anyway.
What you spend years building,
someone could destroy overnight.
Build anyway.
If you find serenity and happiness,
they may be jealous.
Be happy anyway.
The good you do today,
people will often forget tomorrow.
Do good anyway.
Give the world the best you have,
and it may never be enough.
Give the best you've got anyway.
You see,
in the final analysis it is between you and God ;
it was never between you and them anyway.
Very insightful piece. It is a nice contrast to show that sometimes we can get wrapped up in how other people behave or think about us and ultimately it likely doesn't matter near as much as we think it does. And I like your point that it is a recipe for a good and fulfilling life!
I've not watched the profit, but will check it out. And, glad you brought up Paul Buchheit. He is a brilliant guy. 2 posts I really like by him:
https://paulbuchheit.blogspot.com/2009/10/applied-philosophy-aka-hacking.html
https://paulbuchheit.blogspot.com/2014/07/the-technology.html
He has a very unique way of seeing things that I admire and respect. If you read these posts, let me know what you think!
And, yes, many heroes here on 7 Cups too! We collect them - or they find us - the very best people with the biggest hearts looking out for one another.
@GlenM
I'm glad that you really liked "Do it Anyway" 😊 ❤️ and it was so kind of you to share it here. I loved reading it again. Yes, my understanding is that Mother Teresa can't be said as the author, but yet it was coined by her as this was what was found written on her bedroom wall in the monastery upon her passing.
I hope you get the chance to watch some of that tv show. I think you would really like his style!
Thank you also for sharing the links that you most enjoy from P.B. I read them and enjoyed his hearing his thoughts as well. The first link, I felt like there was something there that you wanted for me to see, to understand, to be a "take away" for me. I think I got it, I think I understood 😊 ❤️ If I did, makes me feel pretty great! Thank you! ❤️
I liked the second one as well however, I'll have to go back and probably read that one many times over. I know there must be a deeper meaning, some things important for me to glean. I think I got some of it, but not quite sure and not sure if I got all of it. That will take quite a few reads as clearly, I'll never be on that guy's level nor yours. It's always nice to try and understand though. Might take me a lot of tries and in smaller pieces when there are quieter days around my house and I still might not understand. If so, I'm happy to admit that some things are simply above my level of understanding.
"And, yes, many heroes here on 7 Cups too! We collect them - or they find us - the very best people with the biggest hearts looking out for one another". This, I was able to understand and most completely!
*high fives* 😊 and *hugs* ❤️
@GlenM all my hero's fall in the catergory reason and integrity
My hero's are everyday people ❤ strangers saying hi to each other, front line workers saving lives, people fighting for their country, two elderly people still walking down the road holding hands. The kindness of a stranger. That poor person who gave money to a chariry. Everyday people lighting up the world like an answered prayer. I thank God their there, every day people ❤❤❤
if you take the time to look around you, their are miracles and magic happening everywhere
@Tinywhisper11 this is so well said; "everyday miracles and magic everywhere if you can see it" - "people lighting up the world" <-- I really like these thoughts. Reminds me of JK Rowling's idea of wizards and muggles. Wizards can see the magic more readily. The muggles can't quite see it. I like to think on 7 Cups that we make it easier to see the magic.
@GlenM One of my heroes is my friend, let's call her Carrie. Carrie is a year younger then me and she has already experienced so many horrible things that have left her with trauma and yet she is really confidant, talented and knows exactly what she wants to do in life and is a great friend. I would love to be more like Carrie and I try to support her being her best self.
@silentbonsai3 so good; clear that you admire her. She has overcome a lot and through that has learned a deep sense of integrity and how to follow her own voice. Kudos to Carrie as that is not easily done! And kudos to you too for being your best self in supporting her. It seems you are both very fortunate!
Evariste Galois is a personal figure I wanted to follow. He was a mathematician that revolutionized world's Mathematics at his teenagehood, but he died at the age of 21 becajse of complications with damage by a shotgun. I admire those kinds of people that managed to do what I couldn't: handle several responsibilities with determination at a very young age.
@GlenM Thank you for uploading this post. It's highly thoughtful and beneficial.
1) Radhanath Swami ( formerly known as Richard Slavin) He's a spiritual master, as a teenager he had questions about faith, life, existence, and the presence of a higher entity that watches over us. He overcame several obstacles, was courageous enough to leave the comforts of his life and travel the whole world in search of the answers to crate his meaning in life. The best part is that he, unlike many of us, heard his true calling and chased it, ultimately embracing his highest potential. He's a true modern hero in my eyes because after attaining enlightenment from his 'guru', he worked for the welfare of the society, giving meals to the needy, organizing events, lecturing in universities, and spreading the universal message of love, faith, and brotherhood.
Truly, an inspiration.
He would definitely be on the top of the scale, since he has attained spiritual enlightenment. And to know more about him, he has authored beautiful books that I have found life changing.
@BelovedPurple1437 sounds like he was a gifted soul. thank you for sharing. Can you share a link to your favorite book by him here? and also an image if you have one?
@GlenM Yeah, sure
Here's my hero, always humble and smiling. Just looking at his eyes invoke a sense of calm within me.
The books he has authored are truly extraordinary, namely "The Journey Home" which is his autobiography and "The Journey Within". Both can be read separately.
Although there's nothing better than reading the paperback version of the books which has dusty yellow pages, a beautiful font and cleverly crafted designs and photo, the following link gives access to the free pdf of the book, "The Journey Within" for those who wish to read it.
https://web.mei.edu/drive?pdfid=C68h423&FilesData=The+Journey+Within+Exploring+The+Path+Of+Bhakti.pdf
My hero is my classmate...she is not strong academically, takes longer than others to understand concepts, and dropped studying altogether. But she has a way to get things done. To achieve what she wants. She knows the right kind of people to seek help from, she takes herself and her needs very seriously..and can go to great lengths to keep herself healthy and one of the most beautiful girls I have met. Her friendships are meaningful, and she would call her friend a night before exam and he would help her in getting just enough marks for passing. She is resilient, and she would go to great lengths to water the relationships she has with some people . She is hopeful towards life, and a believe in herself that she will get everything she wants. It's amazing how she would fulfil all her wishes by doing the right things for her.
@GlenM
My hero is a woman who helped me when i broke down at a lake
She helped me get in contact with people who took me to an actual therapist.
She was for me trust
All, thanks for participating and more heroes are welcome! I've been reading through these posts, commenting and thinking of all that you shared. This is powerful.
It makes me wonder about creating a sort of hall of heroes or a cloud of heroes or some way of capturing the people that we as a community admire. I'm not sure the best way to do this. The easiest first step would be to capture each person mentioned here in a list. If anyone is game to help me on this, then the help would be very much welcomed!
Who are your heroes? My dad and my aunt.
Why do you admire them? Brave and very patient and understanding no matter what.
Where are they on the scale? Reason and Integrity category.
