Houston, Daysha
Mrs. Saenz
English IV 1st period
September 11, 2025
Why is heroism so rare?
Heroism is not a part of human nature because most people are naturally focused
on keeping themselves alive. During a crisis, like a fire or a shooting, what do most
people do? They run, hide or freeze. Showing that it's a natural response to protect
yourself instead of others, and most of the time, that instinct takes over everything else.
In Beowulf, he stands out as the hero of the story because he is not like most men.
He risks his life fighting monsters such as Grendal and The Dragon, to protect other
people. His story is told throughout the lands, and he is honored because bravery like his
is rare. If heroism was truly a part of human nature, everyone would be expected to act
with the same courage Beowulf did, and his victories wouldn't be so impressive. Yet the
story shows that most people stay back, or even run away, while Beowulf steps forward,
risking his life. He is celebrated not only because he saved Herot, but because heroism
like his is not common.
Heroism has to be learned, not something people are born with. Another reason
heroism is not a part of human nature is because people have to be taught and inspired to
act bravely. For example, soldiers and fire fighters always go through extensive training
before they go out and do their saving. Without that training and sense of duty, their
dreams of saving people would just be a thought, and they'd most likely try and save
themselves.
Some people would argue that heroism is a part of human nature, using examples
like a mother in any species. At first, this argument does sound convincing, right?
Mothers would do anything for their kids, caring and protecting them. However, even
mothers have to be "Trained”, so to say. Years of human evolution and upgraded survival
instincts, has prepared them to do what is necessary to protect their children. And even
then, it's not guaranteed that a mother will always protect her children. Lots of mothers
still abandon, neglect, or just straight up fail to act. Heroism is not natural, but something
that has to be taught, or chosen in defiance of instinct.
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