5 Reasons Why We Need Heroes

Below we’ve assembled 10 major reasons why people need heroes.  This list isn’t meant to be exhaustive by any means.  But it’s a good start.  Here goes:

1.  We’re born to have heroes —  Scientists have found that newborn babies are equipped with a readiness for language, for numbers, for their parents’ faces — and even a preference for people who are moral.

2.  Heroes reveal our missing qualities — Heroes educate us about right and wrong.  Heroes reveal to us the kinds of qualities we need to be in communion with others.

3.  Heroes give us hope — Heroes prove to us that no matter how much suffering there is in the world, there are supremely good people around whom we can count on to do the right thing, even when most other people are not

4.  Heroes solve problems — Research has shown that people’s heroes are not just paragons of morality. They also show superb competencies directed toward the goal of solving society’s most vexing problems.  Jonas Salk developed the first polio vaccine.  George Washington Carver introduced crop rotation into agriculture. Stephanie Kwolek invented the material in bullet-proof vests that have saved the lives of countless law enforcement officers.

5.  Heroes deliver justice — Research has shown that we need to believe that we live in a just world where good things happen to good people and bad things happen to bad people.