Why You Need to Be the Hero in Your Own Life

German philosopher Arthur Schopenhauer wrote that “a happy life is impossible; the best that a man can attain is a heroic life.” I actually do believe that a happy life can be cultivated with patience and by maintaining a balanced perspective; however, let's look at this quote for a moment.

Why not consider being a hero in our own life journey? What if we interpret our everyday determination on an epic scale: for instance, how committed we are to our jobs, how protective we are of loved ones, and the risks we take to prosper and grow? Additionally, what if we lean into opportunities to be kind, generous, and noble that might assist in the betterment of others? What if we convert past failures or disappointments into daring acts of courage instead?

From his book Strength to Strength: Finding Meaning, Success, and Deep Purpose in the Second Half of Life, author Arthur C. Brooks writes that the legendary Greek warrior Achilles "had to decide whether to fight in the Trojan War, promising certain physical death but a glorious legacy, or return to his home to live a long and happy life, but die in obscurity." Achilles opts to fight and preserve his glory, which solidified his mythic immortality.

Although Achilles is a fictional character, like many mythological archetypes, they are meant to elevate our spirits, stir our souls, and help us bear the sufferings of life with pride instead of fear. They help us comprehend the natural world around us with wonder and curiosity.

Mythological characters are also intended to be extraordinary representations of our better selves. They are symbolic depictions of who we consciously or unconsciously desire to be. In essence, they help us tap into the warrior within us and inspire our hearts to be great at whatever we put our minds to. Sometimes, it means we have to make difficult decisions. Sometimes, it means we have to stand up and be courageous. Or maybe we have already, but we haven’t acknowledged it yet. Perchance, the greatness is just waiting to be recognized.

The key point here is, you don’t have to be a legendary Greek warrior to be a protagonist in your own life. You just need the nerve to author your own personal journey relative to your unique circumstances.

Writing Your Own Script: The Legacy of Lawrence of Arabia

In the 1962 film Lawrence of Arabia, British Lieutenant T.E. Lawrence, played by Peter O'Toole, is traveling by camel with a crew of Bedouin soldiers through the punishing Nefud desert. They are on a mission to capture the Turkish-occupied port city of Aqaba. They are traveling only by night, to avoid the merciless heat of the daytime sun.

One early morning, Lawrence sees a riderless camel drifting alone. He is immediately told that the man who has fallen behind in the darkness is his friend, Gasim. Lawrence, a bookish yet tormented social misfit dealing with depression and trauma, makes the sudden decision to ride back alone to rescue him. To his rageful guide, Sharif Ali, played by actor Omar Sharif, the choice is insane. Gasim does not stand a chance against the rising desert sun, and going back means death for both of them. To the audience, Lawrence's impulsive decision appears like a reckless act.

A livid Ali shouts at Lawrence, telling him “it is written” in the stars that Gasim’s fate is inevitable. He is a dead man already.

Many hours later, Lawrence returns triumphantly to the camp with Gasim clinging to his waist on the back of the camel. Ali, a convicted man of faith, is stunned by the miracle. As Ali hands him the waterskin to drink, Lawrence says to him. “Nothing is written.”

Question: Did Lawrence risk his life simply to prove Sherif Ali wrong? Was his decision a foolhardy gamble? Or a sincere heroic act? Irrespective of the inquiry, watching that scene always gives me goosebumps.

Since childhood, the film has inspired me to try to stay true to my convictions. It stirred me to take chances, assert myself more, and respectfully express my feelings without censure. Every time I watched the movie, I walked away feeling empowered to live my life better. I realized that perhaps I myself could write my own story of courage.

In conclusion, living in the heroic mode provides the highest aspiration to experience life selflessly, striving for good and perhaps even the benefit of others despite facing opposition. The heroic mode helps us endure pain with dignity and encourages acceptance of life and all its unpredictable twists and turns.

When I need to access motivation, I personally choose to channel my internal Achilles or T.E. Lawrence and go for the glory. I choose self-appointed nobility.

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