Heroism is defined as a selfless action, made with courage and often with some risk to oneself, taken on behalf of others Heroism is an act of courage, often an extraordinary one, done to help or protect others; it is often motivated by compassion, a sense of justice, or even an overarching sense of good. It is an extremely noble act, usually done under risk of personal harm, and is often done with a sense of morality, ethics, or honor.
Heroism is a timeless concept, something that has been part of human history since time immemorial. In many cases, it is associated with religious figures and legendary figures, such as Hercules and King Arthur. Many people will have their own conceptions of heroes and heroic acts, making it difficult to pinpoint one specific definition.
The five best examples of heroism that come to mind are those of a real life nature, people who have made such a difference in their own lives, and have had a lasting impact on the lives of others.
1. Mahatma Gandhi - Gandhi was a leader of the Indian Independence Movement, who was responsible for leading India to independence from the British Empire. Through his peaceful protests and civil disobedience, he was able to mobilize the entire country, and to bring about massive change in the government and in society.
2. Malala Yousafzai - Yousafzai is a Pakistani activist and Nobel Peace Prize laureate, who was a vocal advocate for the education of girls in her home country. In 2012, she was shot by the Taliban while travelling to school, but she survived and continued to fight for girls’ rights.
3. Nelson Mandela - Mandela was the first democratically elected president of South Africa, who spent 27 years in prison for his opposition to the apartheid government. He is a symbol of courage and resilience and his dedication led to the end of oppressive policies and the start of a new era for the country.
4. Mother Teresa - Mother Teresa was an Albanian-Indian Catholic nun and missionary who dedicated her life to helping the poor. She founded the Missionaries of Charity and spent her life helping the poorest of the poor, giving them food, shelter, and love.
5. Anne Frank - Anne Frank was a German-Jewish diarist during World War II who wrote about her experiences during the Holocaust. Her diary has become a symbol of courage and strength in the face of adversity and she has become a symbol of hope and resilience for all those who have faced similar oppressive regimes.
These five examples of heroism all represent different aspects of heroism and all have had a lasting impact on our world. They have all made an immense difference in the lives of others, inspiring countless more to stand up for what is right, to fight for justice, and to live with courage and compassion.