I have a preoccupation, with heroes. Not the kind in movies, though these are fictional representations of the qualities embodied by the everyday hero - but with x-ray vision added.
No, my hero is a man you would walk past every day, and never see. Or maybe, you would meet him at a social gathering, and shake his hand, and only get a hint of his greatness - a faint magnetism, that draws you to him, but doesn't reveal to you, why, and you would shake the feeling off and move on. He doesn't employ a secret identity, or a secret hideout - he doesn't need to. The everyday world is his disguise. He toils in obscurity, not because he hides his identity, but because those around him won't see it, and such is his nobility of character, he likely doesn't see it, himself. He knows he is good, but does not consider this exceptional, or worthy of admiration. He expects the same nobility of character, in those around him, and will feel disappointment and betrayal, when they fail him, but he will never feel cynicism. He is not capable, of it. He possesses a deep respect, for a life of productive quality, and finds reward in enriching the lives of others - not for any altruistic goal of "social equality" or "social justice", but for the selfish pleasure of simple earned appreciation. He helps others because it's right - and it makes him feel good, to do so.
An everyday hero has a fierce sense of honesty and loyalty. He makes no apologies for striving to attain his goals, but would never sacrifice his principles, to do so. He will never use guilt or guile, to gain advantage, and would refuse to deal with those, who would. He has a righteous appreciation for the productivity of others, that would never allow him to feel any entitlement, to their rewards, or envy for their achievements. He would have a natural compulsion, to aid others, whom he values, but would indignantly oppose those who would force the obligation upon him. He is a man who would never fail - he would recognize failure, only as a sacrifice of his expectations, and principles.
These heroes do exist. Most people don't see them, because they expect only the worst, from others. I find this to be a reflection, not on those they view, but on themselves. People who do not believe in the noble spirit of others, will never see the heroes, in our midst. They will remain, forever hidden, beneath a fog of suspicion and a question of motives. This is the thing I find most tragic. That some have become so accustomed to disappointment, or so envious of the achievements of others, that they are unable to recognize those who would pull them from the muck of mediocrity. For me, this is the most bitter betrayal - this unwillingness to perceive true heroism. It only serves to stifle goodness, in favor of sameness, as an effort to prevent damaging the sensibilities of those who are unwilling or unable to attain greatness, for themselves - and instead, wish to steal it, from others.
To recognize these heroes, you must first believe they exist.
A hero is the man who would give you the best possible price, for his product, and Honor his commitment, to it's quality. He would be the man who returns to the grocery store, because the cashier gave him too much change. He would gladly go out of his way to patronize an establishment that has given him value and service, and would also go out of his way to avoid an establishment, that didn't. For convenience should never be an excuse to reward poor service. This hero would be the first to take on a productive task, and would emanate a radiant pride, at it's completion. He would recoil from sloth and dishonesty, and exile, from his company, anyone guilty of it. He is not afraid of judging those he deals with, but would never judge by standards to which he would not stand, and he would expect others to judge him by the same measure.
He is a man acutely unaware, of his greatness, while at the same time, aware of the greatness, of his actions.
I have been fortunate enough in life, to have known a rare few, of these heroes. Often, their roles are minor, but their impact, on my life, has always been significant. I try to seek out the heroes, wherever I go. For nothing gives me greater reward, than to share in the greatness of a hero, and to strive to be worthy of that greatness, and return it in kind.
I have an endless optimism of the potential, of others, and a keen awareness of those who would make it their life's mission, to rob the heroes, of their potential. I vow to fight these thieves, with my every breath - for their mediocrity is not my vice.
To those heroes, out there, that have already graced my life, thank you. To those I have yet to encounter, I'll be looking for you. Until then - keep your eyes open - you may find a hero, in your midst.
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