I was listening recently to a discussion on Radio 4’s Moral Maze programme. The question was, ’Who would you choose to picture on a bank note?’ and centred on what it meant to be a ‘hero.’
Although the panellists couldn’t agree on who they would choose, in fact one thought the whole idea to be idolatry, they could agree on a list of traits that a hero should have in some measure. Consistent features were: courage, selflessness, integrity, resilience and inspiration. Throughout history and in all cultures, heroes have been recognised often for remarkable deeds but not all are famous – during natural disasters, pandemics or political upheavals heroes emerge in hospitals, schools, neighbourhoods, and families.
What drives a person to act heroically? Psychologists suggest a mix of personality traits, upbringing, social context, and, sometimes, a moment of crisis that calls forth unexpected strength. Heroism is rarely sought out; rather, it is often a response to circumstance.
Studies indicate that empathy—the ability to feel what another feels—can be a powerful motivator for heroic action. A sense of responsibility or moral outrage can also catalyse people into action, even in the face of danger or uncertainty.
As I mentioned earlier, one panellist felt that having a human hero could take away some of the worship that should rightfully be God’s. Others felt that in retrospect some of the people thought to be heroes in their time, might in the light of today’s knowledge about their motives or later lives be questionable. Heroes are human – capable of error, vulnerability and growth.
As a Christian, I admit that my hero is Jesus. He ticks all the boxes for me: courage, selflessness, integrity, resilience and inspiration; but even if there was a picture of His face, I wouldn’t want it on a bank note. At least that’s what I first thought – would I want His precious face witnessing iffy monetary transactions, paying gambling debts, drinking bills, sex workers’ rates? But then I thought again – surely that’s exactly where He would choose to be – paying our debts. Being a hero.