There are three levels of heroism:
Sustainable heroism comes from an inner aspiration
At the first level, there are those who have heroism thrust on them. A crisis or a set of circumstances “forces” or “pushes” an individual to heroic action. We may call this ‘crisis heroism’.
Crisis heroism is useful. But not sustainable.
At the second level, heroism is a function of external aspiration – born out of a desire for ‘achievement’ or respect for an otherwise indifferent world. Executives in companies for example, become very heroic when they have to meet some target – a heroism that may not persist. We may call this ambition heroism.
The highest heroism is when it is born out of an inner aspiration – born out of a love for truth, or excellence, or beauty, an inner evolution, or serving the Guru – any such high ideal inside oneself. This we call ideal-driven heroism.
An ideal-driven hero is characterized by a synthesis of meaning and purpose.
The mark of such a hero is intense and high aspiration. It start breaks all the barriers within. And he finds meaning only in meeting that aspiration. That aspiration has the power to act as both purpose, and be meaning-giving.
The heroism born out of an aspiration for an ideal is strong and genuine. Such heroism is sustainable.
