I. Defining a Hero and a Superhero
A. What is a Superhero?
1. Wear Clothing and Garments that set them apart from society
2. Have powers and abilities far beyond human measure
B. Concept of a Superhero
1. More “Super” a person is, the less heroic they are
A. Superman is able to bounce back up after being shot by a bullet
B. To be heroic, you have to risk yourself
2. Definitions of a hero
A. Greeks define hero as a man of super-human qualities
B. According to the Oxford English Dictionary, “Man admired for achievements and noble qualities”
C. A hero must have noble qualities
1. A superhero is an extremely powerful person that is guided by their noble character
2. A hero is someone like a police officer or teacher, whose sacrifices and noble deeds benefit our society
A. Heroes catch our attention only in dramatic situations
B. We take heroes for granted
D. Heroic concept should stretch beyond facing personal danger
1. Anyone who stands for the good and the right
2. Should not be diminished by over-application
E. We cannot forget the “hero” element when we think of superheroes
II. How to be a Hero
A. Sacrifice is a forgotten virtue in our modern life
1. Heroes like Superman and Daredevil had to sacrifice much of their personal lives and families in order to help the innocent
2. Self-discipline is needed for sacrifice
B. Superheroes provide great heroic images and are both inspirational and aspirational
C. Plato believed we are drawn to the good
1. Superheroes remind us to expend ourselves for something good, noble, and important
2. Broaden our mental determination
D. Superheroes help us to aspire to make a difference
III. Fear and the Superhero Stories
A. Superheroes show us that many of our fears can be overcome
B. Superheroes know where to draw the line on violence
1. Humans are more likely to resort to violence again after again
2. Humans have a tendency to form habits
C. Humans have a rising expectation
1. More money we make, the more we want
2. What once was unacceptable could became unfortunately necessary, and ultimately even perfectly fine
D. Superheroes are able to fight without turning to evil
E. Good can still prevail
IV. The Example of the Superhero
A. Superman gives us an example of the human way
B. Humans are supposed to be concerned about our communities and our greater world
C. Seneca
1. “No man of exalted gifts is pleased with anything low and inferior. A vision of great achievement calls out to him and lifts him up.”
2. “Cherish some man of great character, and keep him always in mind.”
D. Heroic path is lonely
1. Superheroes are there to guide us
2. World always needs one more hero
