On Not Being a Hero

It often seems that images of the hero and the active stance that implies is the only acceptable model for a person who wants to be responsible and successful in life. The products of popular culture revolve around the “hero’s journey” and stories of the “super hero.” The self-help industry urges us to be the “hero” of our own lives. But one size never really fits all.The hero is a courageous surmounter of obstacles and a determined problem-solver. Self-sacrifice may be involved. The hero has many admirable qualities but it is only one perspective on life, and like any other notion, it has a shadow side. In this program we explore the “heroic” with the aid of a humorous story called “The King Who saved Himself From Being Saved” by John Ciardi. “The planet doesn’t need more successful people. The planet desperately needs more peacemakers, healers, restorers, storytellers, and lovers of all kinds.” Dalai LamaSupport the show