When the first Superman movie came out, I gave dozens of interviews to promote it. The most frequent question was: What is a hero? My answer was that a hero is someone who commits a courageous action without considering the consequences. Now my definition is completely different. I think a hero is an ordinary individual who finds the strength to persevere and endure in spite of overwhelming obstacles. They are the real heroes, and so are the families and friends who have stood by them.
About this quote
- What does it mean?
- Heroism is redefined from risky actions to enduring strength faced by ordinary people.
- In plain terms
- Heroes are regular people who keep going through hard times.
- What can you take from it?
- Recognize ordinary endurance as true heroism.
Where it applies
Putting it to work
Questions to consider
- Who is a hero you know?
- What makes endurance heroic?
Another view
Some heroic acts do require significant risk or sacrifice.
More from Christopher Reeve
What I do is based on powers we all have inside us; the ability to endure; the ability to love, to carry on, to make the best of what we have - and you don't h…
Permalink to quote #5 It gives me a moral compass. I often refer to Abe Lincoln, who said, 'When I do good, I feel good. When I do bad, I feel bad. And that is my religion.' I think…
Permalink to quote #7 We live in a time when the words impossible and unsolvable are no longer part of the scientific community's vocabulary. Each day we move closer to trials that …
Permalink to quote #4
Related quotes
Heroism is endurance for one moment more.
George F. KennanGeorge F. Kennan quote #28 Superman! Champion of the oppressed. The physical marvel who had sworn to devote his existence to helping those in need.
Jerry SiegelJerry Siegel quote #2 He glutted black ravens on the rampart of the stronghold, though he was no Arthur.
AneirinAneirin quote #3