Why We Need Heroes

Relationships

Why Mothers Are Our Number-One Heroes

Scott T Allison Ph.D. on May 4, 2023

What is it about our mothers that makes them such supreme heroic figures?

What is it about our mothers that makes them such supreme heroic figures?

Spirituality

12 Principles for Living a Rich Spiritual Life

Scott T Allison Ph.D. on April 14, 2023

Personal Perspective: 12 principles for living a rich spiritual life from a man who left people feeling valued and loved at the deepest level.

Personal Perspective: 12 principles for living a rich spiritual life from a man who left people feeling valued and loved at the deepest level.

Motivation

The Monomyth of the Villain

Scott T Allison Ph.D. on May 31, 2022

The villain’s journey is similar to the classic hero’s journey, but unlike heroes, villains remain stuck in their pain and project it outward toward others.

The villain’s journey is similar to the classic hero’s journey, but unlike heroes, villains remain stuck in their pain and project it outward toward others.

Charisma

Ernest Becker's Brilliant Explanation for Heroism

Scott T Allison Ph.D. on May 15, 2022

What explains our need for heroism? It could be that we're desperate to live more meaningful lives than insects and dogs.

What explains our need for heroism? It could be that we're desperate to live more meaningful lives than insects and dogs.

Motivation

12 Reasons Why We Have Heroes

Scott T Allison Ph.D. on April 17, 2022

Why do people need heroes? Research shows that heroism helps us survive, develop, and flourish.

Why do people need heroes? Research shows that heroism helps us survive, develop, and flourish.

Forgiveness

10 Psychological Truths in "The Queen’s Gambit"

Scott T Allison Ph.D. on November 25, 2020

Good storytelling doesn't merely entertain us. It conveys wisdom and truth about life.

Good storytelling doesn't merely entertain us. It conveys wisdom and truth about life.

Trust

Do We Have an "Obligation to Greatness"?

Scott T Allison Ph.D. on November 17, 2020

Everyone has the capacity to be a hero. But only when we're ready.

Everyone has the capacity to be a hero. But only when we're ready.

Cognition

Heroic Lag: How Societies Are Slow to Adopt Heroic Changes

Scott T Allison Ph.D. on August 4, 2020

It takes time for society to catch up to a hero's new way of thinking.

It takes time for society to catch up to a hero's new way of thinking.

Attention

There Are No Heroes, Only Heroic Actions

Scott T Allison Ph.D. on June 24, 2020

Heroic actions are far more likely to transcend time than heroic individuals.

Heroic actions are far more likely to transcend time than heroic individuals.

Coronavirus Disease 2019

The Unification Principle of Heroism

Scott T Allison Ph.D. on May 14, 2020

In the COVID-19 world, heroism means taking actions that unify people. How is that accomplished? By reducing the world's suffering.

In the COVID-19 world, heroism means taking actions that unify people. How is that accomplished? By reducing the world's suffering.

Coronavirus Disease 2019

Dealing with Emotional Confusion During COVID-19

Scott T Allison Ph.D. on April 15, 2020

Three steps we can take honor our emotions while avoiding destructive actions.

Three steps we can take honor our emotions while avoiding destructive actions.

Wisdom

How the Wisdom of 12-Step Programs Can Help Us With COVID-19

Scott T Allison Ph.D. on March 30, 2020

Here are seven practices to help you not just survive, but hopefully flourish during quarantine.

Here are seven practices to help you not just survive, but hopefully flourish during quarantine.

Coronavirus Disease 2019

Heroism Turned Upside-Down

Scott T Allison Ph.D. on March 28, 2020

Heroism used to be reserved for a select few. Now every worker who keeps society running is a hero.

Heroism used to be reserved for a select few. Now every worker who keeps society running is a hero.

Happiness

Can You Try to Become a Hero, or Does it Just Happen to You?

Scott T Allison Ph.D. on August 27, 2019

Becoming a hero is like finding happiness. You can't make it happen—or can you?

Becoming a hero is like finding happiness. You can't make it happen—or can you?

Resilience

Why the Moon Landing Captivated Our Heroic Imagination

Scott T Allison Ph.D. on July 6, 2019

Neil Armstrong's "giant leap for mankind" checks all the boxes for heroism.

Neil Armstrong's "giant leap for mankind" checks all the boxes for heroism.

Persuasion

Why Our Fathers Are Heroes

Scott T Allison Ph.D. on June 13, 2019

Our dads are often seen as having a heroic impact on our lives. Here's why.

Our dads are often seen as having a heroic impact on our lives. Here's why.

Sport and Competition

Why We Needed Tiger Woods to Win

Scott T Allison Ph.D. on April 15, 2019

Tiger Woods' victory at the 2019 Masters shows us exactly why we need heroes.

Tiger Woods' victory at the 2019 Masters shows us exactly why we need heroes.

Leadership

Want To Be A Hero? Embrace Suffering and Sacrifice

Scott T Allison Ph.D. on April 5, 2015

The wisdom gleaned from theology and psychology reveals six ways that suffering and sacrifice are beneficial to human beings.

The wisdom gleaned from theology and psychology reveals six ways that suffering and sacrifice are beneficial to human beings.

Motivation

What’s Holding You Back From Becoming a Hero?

Scott T Allison Ph.D. on February 18, 2015

Heroes find a way to better themselves, and they aren’t afraid to seek help.

Heroes find a way to better themselves, and they aren’t afraid to seek help.

Ethics and Morality

Why Jesus Is A Hero To Billions

Scott T Allison Ph.D. on December 23, 2014

Why is Jesus considered a hero? We present five elements of his life and mission that have inspired Christians for two thousand years.

Why is Jesus considered a hero? We present five elements of his life and mission that have inspired Christians for two thousand years.