Prompt: Should heroes be defined as people who say what they think when we ourselves lack the courage to say it?
Though being able to voice one’s thoughts when others lack the courage is very admirable, it is by no means the only definition of a hero. Several events in history and in current events demonstrate that one does not always have to speak their mind in order to be deemed a “hero”.
Mother Teresa was one of the greatest heroes of the twentieth century, and this status was not achieved through standing on the main stage and speaking to large audiences. Mother Teresa’s status as a hero came about due to her selfless spirit in helping others and in her attempts at spreading love to all who were in need. Her altruistic actions inspired people all over the world to show kindness to anyone we meet; her silent but powerful message made her one of the greatest heroes of all time, therefore proving that saying what you think when others lack the courage is not the only definition of a hero.
Another hero who changed the world without having to courageously voice his thoughts is Bill Gates. As the founder of Microsoft, Bill Gates’s advancements into technology revolutionised the way we source and share information, providing means for better research and communication. In addition to this, Bill Gates’s philanthropic doings are also a cause worthy to be deemed heroic. The charitable organised he set up with his wife, the Bill and Melissa Gates Foundation, has donated billions of dollars to helping fight various causes in Africa and around the world. It is this innovative thinking and kindness that gives Bill Gates his heroic title, not him speaking out courageously.
Finally, there are heroes who silently fight for a better future who also have not gained their status through speaking - soldiers. Soldiers fight for freedom and for a better tomorrow, risking their lives on the battlefield. They are the unsung heroes of our country, not because they spoke out when nobody else had the courage to, but because of their brave actions.
In conclusion, while there are many heros who have gained their title through speaking out in the face of adversity, there are also other heroes in our world: those who inspire kindness in others, those who revolutionise society through their hard work as well as those who dedicate their lives so we can live in a better tomorrow.
Thank you so much in advance!! 