What are everyday heroes?

Everyday heroes are ordinary individuals who engage in acts of kindness, goodness, and compassion, often without any expectation of recognition or reward. According to Dr. Philip Zimbardo, as discussed on The Tim Ferriss Show, everyday heroes perform small, consistent deeds that collectively prepare them for larger acts of heroism when critical situations arise.

Dr. Zimbardo emphasizes that heroism starts in the mind and is shaped by one's daily actions. He introduced the concept of "heroes in training," suggesting that by practicing daily acts of goodness and kindness, individuals condition themselves to take effective and wise actions during emergencies like earthquakes or terrorist attacks. This mindset opposes the traditional view of heroism, which often focuses on larger-than-life figures or lifelong heroes like Gandhi or Martin Luther King Jr. Instead, everyday heroism is accessible and achievable by anyone willing to consistently perform good deeds.

This approach, known as the Heroic Imagination Project, encourages people to view themselves as potential heroes, thereby fostering a proactive attitude towards altruism and bravery in everyday life 1 2 .

By acknowledging the small steps and daily practices that contribute to a heroic mindset, the idea of the everyday hero shifts focus to the importance of maintaining situational awareness and readiness, thus ensuring that individuals are prepared to act heroically when the opportunity arises.