A hero is a person of extraordinary character. Such a person is able to influence other people by either sheer brilliance or exemplary qualities. A hero is a person who has an inner desire to excel and possess the mental capacity to face challenges and other predicaments head-on. In often cases, for one to become a hero, one has to do something courageous or informed by bravery. Secondly, heroes are characterized by selflessness, i.e., putting societal interest before individual safety or interest.
Going by the foregoing criteria, Socrates was a great hero. First, he exemplifies selflessness when he risks his life to save Alcibiades during the Potidea, Delium, and Amphipolis war (Seeskin, 1987). Secondly, Socrates heroism his promotion of principles aimed at ensuring a better society; even when by doing so, he risks the wrath of other jealousy and ignorant people.
A hero is an individual of noble character, i.e., an individual whose morals are way above an ordinary person’s morals. A hero is one who is just and thus derives motivation from injustices in the community to champions for the rights of the helpless or the so-called voiceless. Speaking and standing with the vulnerable, as witnessed in many cases, translates into one becoming vulnerable in himself or herself. By promoting the welfare of the weak, the hero places himself on the wrong side of the law, and more often than not, he will be in conflict with the government or powers that be. A hero is one who chooses to go against the status quo even when, by doing so, he risks the wrath of the authorities or the powerful.
Socrates meets the qualities mentioned in the foregoing paragraph. He spent his entire life seeking to understand societal beliefs. Anchored on the belief that life only makes sense when examined, he was always questioning (Gill & Pellegrin, 2009). I am convinced his interrogative nature though annoying, helped intellectuals and political leaders to achieve self-knowledge. His strong character, which enabled him to probe for truth irrespective of who is in question, motivates me to diligently seek to understand the rationale behind every action.
Socrates was never contented by the common beliefs; he sought to understand the rationale on which they were pegged. He challenged the status quo; thus, many contemporaries accused him of blasphemy against the gods (Gill & Pellegrin, 2009). He stands for the proper education of the youths in opposition to populist sophist methods. This made him very unpopular in his society.
Heroes are often very humble people who do not even realize how great they are. Socrates displays such a trait in the sense that though a renowned philosopher, he didn’t deem himself any wiser or any better than others. For instance, he referred to himself as the best of the worthless (Seeskin, 1987). He was a unique Wiseman because he assumes equal status with other people. He believed that all people had knowledge. He even uses slaves to illustrate his method of recollection, which is knowing through remembering (Gill & Pellegrin, 2009). Such an attitude is very unlike that of modern heroes, pop stars, politicians, and sportsmen, who are very boastful and brag about everything.
A hero is not necessarily a perfect human being; since humans are prone to error, so do the heroes. Although heroes seem to have a superior thinking capacity and abilities, they remain human prone to weaknesses and mistakes. Socrates’ decision to take poison when maliciously sentenced, although serving a higher good, i.e., need to stand by own principles, depicts a weakness on the part of Socrates. One would argue that his relative naivety results from the high standards that he sets that are not realistic.
Despite the act of taking poison being looked at in terms of weakness from one standpoint, it is also a heroic act. A hero is an individual who is able to stand for what is right regardless of pressure. Heroes always uphold high levels of integrity and impeccable character. Willingness to face challenges without fear elevates one to a higher stature, although one may not be able to fulfill the given goal or objectives. This attribute is evident in Socrates, who refuses to run away but rather accepts to face the death penalty as a lesson to others.
Although I have indicated that a hero goes against the status quo, heroism is not necessarily about defying or going against the rule of law. Actually, as Socrates demonstrates, a true hero is one who lives by the rule of law. Socrates’ acceptance of the death sentence, though naïve one might argue, demonstrated his respect and compliance with state expectations and laws. Although Socrates was controversial, it has to be acknowledged that his decision to calm after being charged for corrupting the youths of Athens shows his great respect for the rule of law. Therefore, heroes do not necessarily have to be delinquent but only differ with the law to the extent it is misguided or unjust.
In conclusion, I am convinced that the life and the determination of Socrates will remain to be remembered by many generations to come. Personally, Socrates’ example has motivated me to always stand for what is right no matter the situation. Furthermore, I am challenged and encouraged by his courage to face even the most enlightened people, the political leaders, and even religious leaders and engage them in an inquiry. This encourages me towards not taking everything, especially the word of those in authority for gospel truth.
Socrates had a passion for truth. Even when facing death, he chooses truth over expediency aimed at saving his life. In our world of today, people are inclined towards pragmatic choices rather than considering what is right in itself. Without any inkling of becoming an absolutist, I believe standing by the truth and seeking what is right in itself is the true heroism in our days.
Reference List
Gill, M. L. & Pellegrin, P. (2009). A companion to Ancient Philosophy. New York: Wiley- Blackwell Publisher.
Seeskin, K. (1987). Dialogue and Discovery: A Study in Socratic Method. New York: Sunny Press.