# Quotes about heroism - Quotes: 69 - Authors: 54 - Broader topic: [Quotes about courage](https://www.leafyquotes.com/topics/courage.md) - Topic page: https://www.leafyquotes.com/topics/heroism - JSON version (same data): https://www.leafyquotes.com/topics/heroism.json ## Quotes > As for the medal itself, when I got back home, a question arise for which I really didn't have an answer: What exactly do I do with this thing? I don't know what most of the other recipients do, although I've asked a handful of them. A few have ordered up replacements so that they have something to wear and to show folks when they ask to see it, while they store the original in a safe-deposit box. Others keep the medal in a sock drawer or on their nightstand. As for me, I never bothered to ge a duplicate and I eventually took to carrying the original around in my front pocket. As a result, it's taken several accidental trips through the washing machine, so the gilded surface is a bit tarnished, and the blue ribbon has begun to fade. But that doesn't bother me a bit. In fact, I kind of like it that way, perhaps- in part- because I don't truly regard it as mine. > > Like it or not, there are eight other guys with whom I served to whom that medal rightly belongs, because heroes- true heroes, the men whose spirit the medal embodies- don't ever come home. By that definition, I'm not a true hero. Instead, I'm a custodian and a caretaker. I hold the medal, and everything it represents, on behalf of those who are its rightful owners. That, more than anything, is the truth that now sustains me- along with one other thing too, which is a belief I hold in my heart. > > I know, without a shred of doubt, that I would instantly trade the medal and everything attached to it if it would bring back even one of my missing comrades in arms. [Clinton Romesha](https://www.leafyquotes.com/clinton-romesha.md) · [Red Platoon](https://www.leafyquotes.com/clinton-romesha/red-platoon.md) · p. 369 — [Quote page](https://www.leafyquotes.com/clinton-romesha/red-platoon/as-for-the.md) Topics: [heroism](https://www.leafyquotes.com/topics/heroism.md), [modesty](https://www.leafyquotes.com/topics/modesty.md) > EACH PERSON MUST, ON SOME LEVEL, TAKE HIMSELF AS THE CALIBRATION point for normalcy, must assume that the room of his own mind is not, cannot be, entirely opaque to him. Perhaps this is what we mean by sanity: that, whatever our self-admitted eccentricities might be, we are not the villains of our own stories. In fact, it is quite the contrary: we play, and only play, the hero, and in the swirl of other people's stories, insofar as those stories concern us at all, we are never less than heroic. [Teju Cole](https://www.leafyquotes.com/teju-cole.md) · [Open City](https://www.leafyquotes.com/teju-cole/open-city.md) · p. 243 — [Quote page](https://www.leafyquotes.com/teju-cole/open-city/each-person-must.md) Topics: [self-knowledge](https://www.leafyquotes.com/topics/self-knowledge.md), [heroism](https://www.leafyquotes.com/topics/heroism.md) > Maybe this was one of those times when being a hero didn’t involve looking particularly brave. It was just doing what you should. [Lev Grossman](https://www.leafyquotes.com/lev-grossman.md) · [The Magician King](https://www.leafyquotes.com/lev-grossman/the-magician-king.md) · p. 340 — [Quote page](https://www.leafyquotes.com/lev-grossman/the-magician-king/maybe-this-was.md) Topics: [heroism](https://www.leafyquotes.com/topics/heroism.md), [duty](https://www.leafyquotes.com/topics/duty.md) > Everybody wanted to be the hero of their own story. Nobody wanted to be comic relief. [Lev Grossman](https://www.leafyquotes.com/lev-grossman.md) · [The Magician King](https://www.leafyquotes.com/lev-grossman/the-magician-king.md) · p. 165 — [Quote page](https://www.leafyquotes.com/lev-grossman/the-magician-king/everybody-wanted-to-be-the.md) Topics: [humor](https://www.leafyquotes.com/topics/humor.md), [heroism](https://www.leafyquotes.com/topics/heroism.md) > Over time, my crush on Balder the Beautiful was converted into a crush on Ross, Franklin, Nares, Shackleton, Oates, and Scott. > > I should mention that all of the above explorers were unqualified failures. Not coincidentally, they were also all British. Americans admire success. Englishmen admire heroic failure. [Anne Fadiman](https://www.leafyquotes.com/anne-fadiman.md) · [Ex Libris](https://www.leafyquotes.com/anne-fadiman/ex-libris.md) · p. 24 — [Quote page](https://www.leafyquotes.com/anne-fadiman/ex-libris/over-time-my-crush.md) Topics: [mistakes](https://www.leafyquotes.com/topics/mistakes.md), [heroism](https://www.leafyquotes.com/topics/heroism.md) > "Hero" is a description tossed around lightly these days- like "star" or "celebrity"- another significant difference between the closing days of the twentieth century and the century's middle years, World War II. During the war the use of the phrase "You're a hero" was likely to bring on the quick rejoinder, "No, I'm not; I'm just doing my job here- like everyone else." The fighting men and women were so dependent on each other and shared so many common experiences they were embarrassed to be singled out. > > Some acts of heroism, however, were so breathtakingly conspicuous, so daring and vital to the military mission, they could not be overlooked or turned aside. In many instances they changed forever the lives of those who were decorated. Others who were decorated returned to the lives they would have had without the medal and the attention. > > If there is a common thread among the major medal winners, it is the same modesty expressed by Army nurse Mary Louise Roberts Wilson when she received the Silver Star. Almost to a person they have said to me, "I didn't win this medal. I merely accepted it for all the people who were with me." Nevertheless, they did win it, and the very qualities that led them to take great risks to save others served them well once they returned home. [Tom Brokaw](https://www.leafyquotes.com/tom-brokaw.md) · [The Greatest Generation](https://www.leafyquotes.com/tom-brokaw/the-greatest-generation.md) · p. 103 — [Quote page](https://www.leafyquotes.com/tom-brokaw/the-greatest-generation/hero-is-a-description.md) Topics: [heroism](https://www.leafyquotes.com/topics/heroism.md), [modesty](https://www.leafyquotes.com/topics/modesty.md) > This is the story of becoming a Hero the Hard way. [Cressida Cowell](https://www.leafyquotes.com/cressida-cowell.md) · [How to Train Your Dragon](https://www.leafyquotes.com/cressida-cowell/how-to-train-your-dragon.md) — [Quote page](https://www.leafyquotes.com/cressida-cowell/how-to-train-your-dragon/this-is-the.md) Topics: [heroism](https://www.leafyquotes.com/topics/heroism.md) > And now everyone returning from an armed conflict is called a hero too. In the old days you had to commit specific acts of valor during war; now you just need to turn up. These days when a war is on, heroism seems to mean 'attendance.' [Steve Toltz](https://www.leafyquotes.com/steve-toltz.md) · [A Fraction Of The Whole](https://www.leafyquotes.com/steve-toltz/a-fraction-of-the-whole.md) — [Quote page](https://www.leafyquotes.com/steve-toltz/a-fraction-of-the-whole/and-now-everyone.md) Topics: [war](https://www.leafyquotes.com/topics/war.md), [heroism](https://www.leafyquotes.com/topics/heroism.md) > I’m all for courageous action, in moderation, Peter. But you have an alarming tendency toward heroics. [Ben Aaronovitch](https://www.leafyquotes.com/ben-aaronovitch.md) · [Lies Sleeping](https://www.leafyquotes.com/ben-aaronovitch/lies-sleeping.md) · p. 269 — [Quote page](https://www.leafyquotes.com/ben-aaronovitch/lies-sleeping/im-all-for.md) Topics: [courage](https://www.leafyquotes.com/topics/courage.md), [heroism](https://www.leafyquotes.com/topics/heroism.md), [moderation](https://www.leafyquotes.com/topics/moderation.md) > Dedication: This book is dedicated to all the people whose job it is to rush into danger when everybody else is running in the other direction. [Ben Aaronovitch](https://www.leafyquotes.com/ben-aaronovitch.md) · [Lies Sleeping](https://www.leafyquotes.com/ben-aaronovitch/lies-sleeping.md) — [Quote page](https://www.leafyquotes.com/ben-aaronovitch/lies-sleeping/dedication-this-book.md) Topics: [courage](https://www.leafyquotes.com/topics/courage.md), [heroism](https://www.leafyquotes.com/topics/heroism.md) > Every country that aspires to become a nation needs its heroes, its eminent civic and moral leaders, and if it doesn't have them, it's our duty to invent them. ("Sweet Diamond Dust") [Rosario Ferré](https://www.leafyquotes.com/rosario-ferre.md) · [Sweet Diamond Dust](https://www.leafyquotes.com/rosario-ferre/sweet-diamond-dust.md) — [Quote page](https://www.leafyquotes.com/rosario-ferre/sweet-diamond-dust/every-country-that.md) Topics: [irony](https://www.leafyquotes.com/topics/irony.md), [heroism](https://www.leafyquotes.com/topics/heroism.md), [patriotism](https://www.leafyquotes.com/topics/patriotism.md) > Birdie cringed. If there was one thing worse than being a coward, it was being mistaken for a hero. [Charles Sheffield](https://www.leafyquotes.com/charles-sheffield.md) · [Divergence](https://www.leafyquotes.com/charles-sheffield/divergence.md) · p. 441 — [Quote page](https://www.leafyquotes.com/charles-sheffield/divergence/birdie-cringed-if-there.md) Topics: [heroism](https://www.leafyquotes.com/topics/heroism.md), [cowardice](https://www.leafyquotes.com/topics/cowardice.md) > If you ask me, the difference between a hero and a coward is that a hero find some damn-fool way to con himself into going ahead instead of doing the sensible thing. [Glen Cook](https://www.leafyquotes.com/glen-cook.md) · [Sweet Silver Blues](https://www.leafyquotes.com/glen-cook/sweet-silver-blues.md) · p. 239 — [Quote page](https://www.leafyquotes.com/glen-cook/sweet-silver-blues/if-you-ask.md) Topics: [heroism](https://www.leafyquotes.com/topics/heroism.md), [cowardice](https://www.leafyquotes.com/topics/cowardice.md) > “Credomancy may seek to exploit the human desire for a tidy narrative where an unblemished romantic hero vanquishes all obstacles, but such ideals have very little to do with reality. Reality requires pragmatism and compromise. Men fail. Women fail. There are no heroes, only human beings who somehow find the strength to behave heroically, no matter how many times they have been unable to do so in the past. If you understand that, Miss Edwards—if you truly and deeply understand that, then you will understand the most powerful thing anyone with a heart can understand.” > > “And what’s that?” Emily said softly. > > “That love is not enough. But it’s a start.” [M. K. Hobson](https://www.leafyquotes.com/m-k-hobson.md) · [The Hidden Goddess](https://www.leafyquotes.com/m-k-hobson/the-hidden-goddess.md) · p. 291 — [Quote page](https://www.leafyquotes.com/m-k-hobson/the-hidden-goddess/credomancy-may-seek.md) Topics: [love](https://www.leafyquotes.com/topics/love.md), [heroism](https://www.leafyquotes.com/topics/heroism.md) > But mere technical details can be worked out any time. All a hero needs is grit. [Lindsey Davis](https://www.leafyquotes.com/lindsey-davis.md) · [The Iron Hand Of Mars](https://www.leafyquotes.com/lindsey-davis/the-iron-hand-of-mars.md) — [Quote page](https://www.leafyquotes.com/lindsey-davis/the-iron-hand-of-mars/but-mere-technical.md) Topics: [heroism](https://www.leafyquotes.com/topics/heroism.md) > Perhaps it is fortunate that most heroes who die for their people cannot come back to see what the people do with that hard-bought life and freedom. [Tad Williams](https://www.leafyquotes.com/tad-williams.md) · [To Green Angel Tower](https://www.leafyquotes.com/tad-williams/to-green-angel-tower.md) · p. 639 — [Quote page](https://www.leafyquotes.com/tad-williams/to-green-angel-tower/perhaps-it-is-fortunate.md) Topics: [freedom](https://www.leafyquotes.com/topics/freedom.md), [heroism](https://www.leafyquotes.com/topics/heroism.md) > “Not everyone can stand up and be a hero, Princess,” he said quietly. “Some prefer to surrender to the inevitable and salve their conscience with the gift of survival.” > > Miriamele thought about the obvious truth of what Cadrach had said as they walked on, but could not understand why it made her so unutterably sad. [Tad Williams](https://www.leafyquotes.com/tad-williams.md) · [Stone of Farewell](https://www.leafyquotes.com/tad-williams/stone-of-farewell.md) · p. 37 — [Quote page](https://www.leafyquotes.com/tad-williams/stone-of-farewell/not-everyone-can.md) Topics: [survival](https://www.leafyquotes.com/topics/survival.md), [heroism](https://www.leafyquotes.com/topics/heroism.md) > It is hard to look a hero when mounted on a pig. [George RR Martin](https://www.leafyquotes.com/george-rr-martin.md) · [A Dance with Dragons](https://www.leafyquotes.com/george-rr-martin/a-dance-with-dragons.md) — [Quote page](https://www.leafyquotes.com/george-rr-martin/a-dance-with-dragons/it-is-hard.md) Topics: [humor](https://www.leafyquotes.com/topics/humor.md), [heroism](https://www.leafyquotes.com/topics/heroism.md) > Nothing tarnishes a hero as much as failure. [George RR Martin](https://www.leafyquotes.com/george-rr-martin.md) · [A Feast for Crows](https://www.leafyquotes.com/george-rr-martin/a-feast-for-crows.md) — [Quote page](https://www.leafyquotes.com/george-rr-martin/a-feast-for-crows/nothing-tarnishes-a-hero.md) Topics: [success and failure](https://www.leafyquotes.com/topics/success-and-failure.md), [heroism](https://www.leafyquotes.com/topics/heroism.md) > "He likes the stories where the knights fight monsters." > > "Sometimes the knights are the monsters, Bran." [George RR Martin](https://www.leafyquotes.com/george-rr-martin.md) · [A Storm of Swords](https://www.leafyquotes.com/george-rr-martin/a-storm-of-swords.md) — [Quote page](https://www.leafyquotes.com/george-rr-martin/a-storm-of-swords/he-likes-the.md) Topics: [evil](https://www.leafyquotes.com/topics/evil.md), [heroism](https://www.leafyquotes.com/topics/heroism.md) > You can define heroism any way you want to, but that’s it for me. It’s sticking in there no matter what. Whether it’s a pilot fighting his plane down through that last mile, or switchboard operators and doctors and nurses staying at their posts while the bombs blitz London, or even the dance band on the Titanic playing while the ship goes down… > > It’s fulfilling your responsibilities. [John Varley](https://www.leafyquotes.com/john-varley.md) · [Millennium](https://www.leafyquotes.com/john-varley/millennium.md) · p. 80 — [Quote page](https://www.leafyquotes.com/john-varley/millennium/you-can-define.md) Topics: [responsibility](https://www.leafyquotes.com/topics/responsibility.md), [heroism](https://www.leafyquotes.com/topics/heroism.md) > "We irritated him, he told me. Why did he get himself killed for us?" "Because he was a hero. And that is what heroes do. You understand?" [David Gemmell](https://www.leafyquotes.com/david-gemmell.md) · [The King Beyond the Gate](https://www.leafyquotes.com/david-gemmell/the-king-beyond-the-gate.md) — [Quote page](https://www.leafyquotes.com/david-gemmell/the-king-beyond-the-gate/we-irritated-him.md) Topics: [heroism](https://www.leafyquotes.com/topics/heroism.md) > "Heroes," that's what we were, that's what our leaders wanted, that's what our people felt they needed. After all that has happened, not just in this war, but in so many wars before: Algeria, Indochina, the Nazis... you understand what I am saying... you see the sorrow and pity? We understood what the American President said about "reclaiming our confidence"; we understood it more than most. We needed heroes, new names and places to restore our pride. [Max Brooks](https://www.leafyquotes.com/max-brooks.md) · [World War Z](https://www.leafyquotes.com/max-brooks/world-war-z.md) — [Quote page](https://www.leafyquotes.com/max-brooks/world-war-z/heroes-thats-what.md) Topics: [heroism](https://www.leafyquotes.com/topics/heroism.md) > I suppose there were other institutions in Embassytown where the dynamic of the quotidian sustained—some hospitals, perhaps some schools, perhaps houses where shiftparents most deeply loved the children. Whenever any society dies there must be heroes whose fightback is to not change. [China Miéville](https://www.leafyquotes.com/china-mieville.md) · [Embassytown](https://www.leafyquotes.com/china-mieville/embassytown.md) · p. 213 — [Quote page](https://www.leafyquotes.com/china-mieville/embassytown/i-suppose-there.md) Topics: [heroism](https://www.leafyquotes.com/topics/heroism.md) > Heroism is a myth you tell idealistic young people—specifically when you want them to go bleed for you. [Brandon Sanderson](https://www.leafyquotes.com/brandon-sanderson.md) · [Rhythm of War](https://www.leafyquotes.com/brandon-sanderson/rhythm-of-war.md) · p. 39 — [Quote page](https://www.leafyquotes.com/brandon-sanderson/rhythm-of-war/heroism-is-a-myth.md) Topics: [manipulation](https://www.leafyquotes.com/topics/manipulation.md), [heroism](https://www.leafyquotes.com/topics/heroism.md) > “Who’s put these ideas in your head? Why would you want to learn to hit other boys with a stick?” > > “For honor, father,” Kal said. “Who tells stories about surgeons, for the Heralds’s sake!” > > “The children of the men and women whose lives we save,” Lirin said evenly, meeting Kal’s gaze. “That’s who tell stories of surgeons.” [Brandon Sanderson](https://www.leafyquotes.com/brandon-sanderson.md) · [The Way of Kings](https://www.leafyquotes.com/brandon-sanderson/the-way-of-kings.md) · p. 155 — [Quote page](https://www.leafyquotes.com/brandon-sanderson/the-way-of-kings/whos-put-these.md) Topics: [honour](https://www.leafyquotes.com/topics/honour.md), [heroism](https://www.leafyquotes.com/topics/heroism.md) > “Long ago I yearned to be a hero without knowing, in truth, what a hero was. Now, perhaps, I understand it a little better. A grower of turnips or a shaper of clay, a Commot farmer or a king — every man is a hero if he strives more for others than for himself alone. Once,” he added, “you told me that the seeking counts more than the finding. So, too, must the striving count more than the gain. > > “Once, I hoped for a glorious destiny,” Taran went on, smiling at his own memory. “That dream has vanished with my childhood; and though a pleasant dream it was fit only for a child. I am well content as an Assistant Pig-Keeper.” [Lloyd Alexander](https://www.leafyquotes.com/lloyd-alexander.md) · [The High King](https://www.leafyquotes.com/lloyd-alexander/the-high-king.md) — [Quote page](https://www.leafyquotes.com/lloyd-alexander/the-high-king/long-ago-i-yearned.md) Topics: [heroism](https://www.leafyquotes.com/topics/heroism.md), [altruism](https://www.leafyquotes.com/topics/altruism.md) > "Heroes aren't always the ones who win. They're the ones who lose, sometimes. But they keep fighting, they keep coming back. They don't give up. That's what makes them heroes." [Cassandra Clare](https://www.leafyquotes.com/cassandra-clare.md) · [City of Heavenly Fire](https://www.leafyquotes.com/cassandra-clare/city-of-heavenly-fire.md) — [Quote page](https://www.leafyquotes.com/cassandra-clare/city-of-heavenly-fire/heroes-arent-always.md) Topics: [perseverance](https://www.leafyquotes.com/topics/perseverance.md), [heroism](https://www.leafyquotes.com/topics/heroism.md) > "They will say to you," growled a kneeling man who stooped with his two bands in the earth and shook his shoulders like a mastiff, 'My friend, you have been a wonderful hero!' I don't want them to say it! > > "Heroes? Some sort of extraordinary being? Idols? Rot! We've been murderers. We have respectably followed the trade of hangmen. We shall do it again with all our might, because it's of great importance to follow that trade, so as to punish war and smother it. The act of slaughter is always ignoble; sometimes necessary, but always ignoble. Yes, hard and persistent murderers, that's what we've been. But don't talk to me about military virtue because I've killed Germans." > > "Nor to me," cried another in so loud a voice that no one could have replied to him even had he dared; "nor to me, because I've saved the lives of Frenchmen! Why, we might as well set fire to houses for the sake of the excellence of life-saving!" [Henri Barbusse](https://www.leafyquotes.com/henri-barbusse.md) · [Under Fire](https://www.leafyquotes.com/henri-barbusse/under-fire.md) — [Quote page](https://www.leafyquotes.com/henri-barbusse/under-fire/they-will-say.md) Topics: [war](https://www.leafyquotes.com/topics/war.md), [heroism](https://www.leafyquotes.com/topics/heroism.md) > Whether I shall turn out to be the hero of my own life, or whether that station will be held by anybody else, these pages must show. [Charles Dickens](https://www.leafyquotes.com/charles-dickens.md) · [David Copperfield](https://www.leafyquotes.com/charles-dickens/david-copperfield.md) — [Quote page](https://www.leafyquotes.com/charles-dickens/david-copperfield/whether-i-shall.md) Topics: [life](https://www.leafyquotes.com/topics/life.md), [heroism](https://www.leafyquotes.com/topics/heroism.md) > In all the human societies we have ever reviewed, in every age and every state, there has seldom if ever been a shortage of eager young males prepared to kill and die to preserve the security, comfort and prejudices of their elders, and what you call heroism is just an expression of this fact; there is never a scarcity of idiots. [Iain M. Banks](https://www.leafyquotes.com/iain-m-banks.md) · [Use Of Weapons](https://www.leafyquotes.com/iain-m-banks/use-of-weapons.md) · p. 434 — [Quote page](https://www.leafyquotes.com/iain-m-banks/use-of-weapons/in-all-the.md) Topics: [war](https://www.leafyquotes.com/topics/war.md), [stupidity](https://www.leafyquotes.com/topics/stupidity.md), [heroism](https://www.leafyquotes.com/topics/heroism.md) > Such a stupid act. Sometimes heroics revolted him; they seemed like an insult to the soldier who weighed the risks of the situation and made calm, cunning decisions based on experience and imagination, the sort of unshowy soldiering that didn’t win medals but wars. [Iain M. Banks](https://www.leafyquotes.com/iain-m-banks.md) · [Use Of Weapons](https://www.leafyquotes.com/iain-m-banks/use-of-weapons.md) · p. 183 — [Quote page](https://www.leafyquotes.com/iain-m-banks/use-of-weapons/such-a-stupid.md) Topics: [heroism](https://www.leafyquotes.com/topics/heroism.md), [soldiers](https://www.leafyquotes.com/topics/soldiers.md) > The man who had suffered so much had further revealed his greatness in modesty. By refusing to lead, Mugo had become a legendary hero. [Ngugi wa Thiong'o](https://www.leafyquotes.com/ngugi-wa-thiongo.md) · [A Grain of Wheat](https://www.leafyquotes.com/ngugi-wa-thiongo/a-grain-of-wheat.md) — [Quote page](https://www.leafyquotes.com/ngugi-wa-thiongo/a-grain-of-wheat/the-man-who.md) Topics: [heroism](https://www.leafyquotes.com/topics/heroism.md), [modesty](https://www.leafyquotes.com/topics/modesty.md) > It makes his life more interesting to himself. He invents a meaning for his life, you see. Don’t we all do that? And to die fighting for freedom sounds more heroic than to die by accident.” [Ngugi wa Thiong'o](https://www.leafyquotes.com/ngugi-wa-thiongo.md) · [A Grain of Wheat](https://www.leafyquotes.com/ngugi-wa-thiongo/a-grain-of-wheat.md) — [Quote page](https://www.leafyquotes.com/ngugi-wa-thiongo/a-grain-of-wheat/it-makes-his.md) Topics: [meaning of life](https://www.leafyquotes.com/topics/meaning-of-life.md), [heroism](https://www.leafyquotes.com/topics/heroism.md) > I don't have to be a hero, he thought in silent wonder. All I have to do is pretend. [Matthew Stover](https://www.leafyquotes.com/matthew-stover.md) · [Traitor: Star Wars Legends](https://www.leafyquotes.com/matthew-stover/traitor-star-wars-legends.md) · p. 261 — [Quote page](https://www.leafyquotes.com/matthew-stover/traitor-star-wars-legends/i-dont-have.md) Topics: [heroism](https://www.leafyquotes.com/topics/heroism.md) > "We don’t need any more heroes; we just need someone to take out the recycling." [Banksy](https://www.leafyquotes.com/banksy.md) · [Wall and Piece](https://www.leafyquotes.com/banksy/wall-and-piece.md) — [Quote page](https://www.leafyquotes.com/banksy/wall-and-piece/we-dont-need.md) Topics: [humor](https://www.leafyquotes.com/topics/humor.md), [ecology](https://www.leafyquotes.com/topics/ecology.md), [heroism](https://www.leafyquotes.com/topics/heroism.md) > Maybe not thinking about the price of failure was what marked a hero. On the other hand, maybe it just marked a damn fool. [Harry Turtledove](https://www.leafyquotes.com/harry-turtledove.md) · [American Empire: The Victorious Opposition](https://www.leafyquotes.com/harry-turtledove/american-empire-the-victorious-opposition.md) · p. 84 — [Quote page](https://www.leafyquotes.com/harry-turtledove/american-empire-the-victorious-opposition/maybe-not-thinking.md) Topics: [stupidity](https://www.leafyquotes.com/topics/stupidity.md), [heroism](https://www.leafyquotes.com/topics/heroism.md) > Great times call for great men. There are unknown heroes who are modest, with none of the historical glamour of a Napoleon. If you analysed their character you would find that it eclipsed even the glory of Alexander the Great. Today you can meet in the streets of Prague a shabbily dressed man who is not even himself aware of his significance in the history of the great new era. He goes modestly on his way, without bothering anyone. Nor is he bothered by journalists asking for an interview. If you asked him his name he would answer you simply and unassumingly: 'I am Švejk….' [Jaroslav Hašek](https://www.leafyquotes.com/jaroslav-hasek.md) · [The Good Soldier Svejk](https://www.leafyquotes.com/jaroslav-hasek/the-good-soldier-svejk.md) — [Quote page](https://www.leafyquotes.com/jaroslav-hasek/the-good-soldier-svejk/great-times-call.md) Topics: [humor](https://www.leafyquotes.com/topics/humor.md), [heroism](https://www.leafyquotes.com/topics/heroism.md), [modesty](https://www.leafyquotes.com/topics/modesty.md) > History, like love, is so apt to surround her heroes with an atmosphere of imaginary brightness. [James Fenimore Cooper](https://www.leafyquotes.com/james-fenimore-cooper.md) · [The Last of the Mohicans](https://www.leafyquotes.com/james-fenimore-cooper/the-last-of-the-mohicans.md) — [Quote page](https://www.leafyquotes.com/james-fenimore-cooper/the-last-of-the-mohicans/history-like-love.md) Topics: [love](https://www.leafyquotes.com/topics/love.md), [history](https://www.leafyquotes.com/topics/history.md), [heroism](https://www.leafyquotes.com/topics/heroism.md) > “A hero is someone who gets the job done, Albert,” Clara once said. “Bravely when necessary. Courage is an admirable last resort, for when intelligence fails.” [David Brin](https://www.leafyquotes.com/david-brin.md) · [Kil’n People](https://www.leafyquotes.com/david-brin/kiln-people.md) · p. 389 — [Quote page](https://www.leafyquotes.com/david-brin/kiln-people/a-hero-is-someone.md) Topics: [courage](https://www.leafyquotes.com/topics/courage.md), [heroism](https://www.leafyquotes.com/topics/heroism.md) > "Routine, repetition, tedium, monotony, ephemeracy, inconsequence, abstraction, disorder, boredom, angst, ennui—these are the true hero’s enemies, and make no mistake, they are fearsome indeed. For they are real." [David Foster Wallace](https://www.leafyquotes.com/david-foster-wallace.md) · [The Pale King](https://www.leafyquotes.com/david-foster-wallace/the-pale-king.md) — [Quote page](https://www.leafyquotes.com/david-foster-wallace/the-pale-king/routine-repetition-tedium.md) Topics: [boredom](https://www.leafyquotes.com/topics/boredom.md), [heroism](https://www.leafyquotes.com/topics/heroism.md) > What he didn't like about heroes was that they were usually suicidally gloomy when sober and homicidally insane when drunk. [Terry Pratchett](https://www.leafyquotes.com/terry-pratchett.md) · [The Colour of Magic](https://www.leafyquotes.com/terry-pratchett/the-colour-of-magic.md) — [Quote page](https://www.leafyquotes.com/terry-pratchett/the-colour-of-magic/what-he-didnt.md) Topics: [humor](https://www.leafyquotes.com/topics/humor.md), [heroism](https://www.leafyquotes.com/topics/heroism.md) > What heroes like best is themselves. [Terry Pratchett](https://www.leafyquotes.com/terry-pratchett.md) · [The Colour of Magic](https://www.leafyquotes.com/terry-pratchett/the-colour-of-magic.md) — [Quote page](https://www.leafyquotes.com/terry-pratchett/the-colour-of-magic/what-heroes-like.md) Topics: [selfishness](https://www.leafyquotes.com/topics/selfishness.md), [heroism](https://www.leafyquotes.com/topics/heroism.md) > The true secret in being a hero lies in knowing the order of things. … Things must happen when it is time for them to happen. Quests may not simply be abandoned; prophecies may not be left to rot like unpicked fruit; unicorns may go unrescued for a very long time, but not forever. The happy ending cannot come in the middle of the story. [Peter S. Beagle](https://www.leafyquotes.com/peter-s-beagle.md) · [The Last Unicorn](https://www.leafyquotes.com/peter-s-beagle/the-last-unicorn.md) — [Quote page](https://www.leafyquotes.com/peter-s-beagle/the-last-unicorn/the-true-secret.md) Topics: [fate](https://www.leafyquotes.com/topics/fate.md), [heroism](https://www.leafyquotes.com/topics/heroism.md) > In reality, heroes are heroic because they, despite their weaknesses - and sometimes because of them - do great things. If they were perfect, they wouldn't be here in earth's classroom. [Benjamin Hoff](https://www.leafyquotes.com/benjamin-hoff.md) · [The Te of Piglet](https://www.leafyquotes.com/benjamin-hoff/the-te-of-piglet.md) — [Quote page](https://www.leafyquotes.com/benjamin-hoff/the-te-of-piglet/in-reality-heroes.md) Topics: [heroism](https://www.leafyquotes.com/topics/heroism.md) > For heroes do not make history—that is the historians’ job—but, passive, let themselves be borne along, swept up to the crest of the tide of change, of chance, of war. [Ursula K. Le Guin](https://www.leafyquotes.com/ursula-k-le-guin.md) · [Orsinian Tales](https://www.leafyquotes.com/ursula-k-le-guin/orsinian-tales.md) · p. 183 — [Quote page](https://www.leafyquotes.com/ursula-k-le-guin/orsinian-tales/for-heroes-do-not.md) Topics: [history](https://www.leafyquotes.com/topics/history.md), [heroism](https://www.leafyquotes.com/topics/heroism.md) > "In the name of the best within you, do not sacrifice this world to those who are its worst. In the name of the values that keep you alive, do not let your vision of man be distorted by the ugly, the cowardly, the mindless in those who have never achieved his title. Do not lose your knowledge that man's proper estate is an upright posture, an intransigent mind and a step that travels unlimited roads. Do not let your fire go out, spark by irreplaceable spark, in the hopeless swamps of the approximate, the not-quite, the not-yet, the not-at-all. Do not let the hero in your soul perish, in lonely frustration for the life you deserved, but have never been able to reach. Check your road and the nature of your battle. The world you desired can be won, it exists, it is real, it is possible, it's yours." [Ayn Rand](https://www.leafyquotes.com/ayn-rand.md) · [Atlas Shrugged](https://www.leafyquotes.com/ayn-rand/atlas-shrugged.md) · p. 1069 — [Quote page](https://www.leafyquotes.com/ayn-rand/atlas-shrugged/in-the-name.md) Topics: [dreams and aspirations](https://www.leafyquotes.com/topics/dreams-and-aspirations.md), [heroism](https://www.leafyquotes.com/topics/heroism.md) > Boldness governed by superior intellect is the mark of a hero. [Carl von Clausewitz](https://www.leafyquotes.com/carl-von-clausewitz.md) · [On War](https://www.leafyquotes.com/carl-von-clausewitz/on-war.md) — [Quote page](https://www.leafyquotes.com/carl-von-clausewitz/on-war/boldness-governed-by-superior.md) Topics: [courage](https://www.leafyquotes.com/topics/courage.md), [intelligence](https://www.leafyquotes.com/topics/intelligence.md), [heroism](https://www.leafyquotes.com/topics/heroism.md) > A nice war is a war where everybody who is heroic is a hero, and everybody more or less is a hero in a nice war. Now this war is not at all a nice war. [Gertrude Stein](https://www.leafyquotes.com/gertrude-stein.md) · [Wars I Have Seen](https://www.leafyquotes.com/gertrude-stein/wars-i-have-seen.md) · p. 77 — [Quote page](https://www.leafyquotes.com/gertrude-stein/wars-i-have-seen/a-nice-war.md) Topics: [war](https://www.leafyquotes.com/topics/war.md), [heroism](https://www.leafyquotes.com/topics/heroism.md) > Celebrity-worship and hero-worship should not be confused. Yet we confuse them every day, and by doing so we come dangerously close to depriving ourselves of all real models. We lose sight of the men and women who do not simply seem great because they are famous but are famous because they are great. We come closer and closer to degrading all fame into notoriety. [Daniel J. Boorstin](https://www.leafyquotes.com/daniel-j-boorstin.md) · [The Image](https://www.leafyquotes.com/daniel-j-boorstin/the-image.md) · p. 48 — [Quote page](https://www.leafyquotes.com/daniel-j-boorstin/the-image/celebrity-worship-and-hero-worship.md) Topics: [fame](https://www.leafyquotes.com/topics/fame.md), [heroism](https://www.leafyquotes.com/topics/heroism.md) > Routine is the death to heroism. [P.G. Wodehouse](https://www.leafyquotes.com/pg-wodehouse.md) · [The Man Upstairs](https://www.leafyquotes.com/pg-wodehouse/the-man-upstairs.md) — [Quote page](https://www.leafyquotes.com/pg-wodehouse/the-man-upstairs/routine-is-the.md) Topics: [heroism](https://www.leafyquotes.com/topics/heroism.md), [everyday life](https://www.leafyquotes.com/topics/everyday-life.md) > Down these mean streets a man must go who is not himself mean, who is neither tarnished nor afraid. The detective in this kind of story must be such a man. He is the hero, he is everything. He must be a complete man and a common man and yet an unusual man. He must be, to use a rather weathered phrase, a man of honor, by instinct, by inevitability, without thought of it, and certainly without saying it. He must be the best man in his world and a good enough man for any world. [Raymond Chandler](https://www.leafyquotes.com/raymond-chandler.md) · [The Simple Art of Murder](https://www.leafyquotes.com/raymond-chandler/the-simple-art-of-murder.md) — [Quote page](https://www.leafyquotes.com/raymond-chandler/the-simple-art-of-murder/down-these-mean.md) Topics: [honour](https://www.leafyquotes.com/topics/honour.md), [heroism](https://www.leafyquotes.com/topics/heroism.md) > Where cowards never venture, heroes find splendor. [Jack Vance](https://www.leafyquotes.com/jack-vance.md) · [The Dirdir](https://www.leafyquotes.com/jack-vance/the-dirdir.md) · p. 300 — [Quote page](https://www.leafyquotes.com/jack-vance/the-dirdir/where-cowards-never.md) Topics: [courage](https://www.leafyquotes.com/topics/courage.md), [heroism](https://www.leafyquotes.com/topics/heroism.md) > A man without a heroic bent starts dying at the age of thirty. [Nassim Nicholas Taleb](https://www.leafyquotes.com/nassim-nicholas-taleb.md) · [The Bed of Procrustes](https://www.leafyquotes.com/nassim-nicholas-taleb/the-bed-of-procrustes.md) · p. 25 — [Quote page](https://www.leafyquotes.com/nassim-nicholas-taleb/the-bed-of-procrustes/a-man-without.md) Topics: [heroism](https://www.leafyquotes.com/topics/heroism.md) > Preoccupation with efficacy is the main obstacle to a poetic, elegant, robust and heroic life. [Nassim Nicholas Taleb](https://www.leafyquotes.com/nassim-nicholas-taleb.md) · [The Bed of Procrustes](https://www.leafyquotes.com/nassim-nicholas-taleb/the-bed-of-procrustes.md) · p. 29 — [Quote page](https://www.leafyquotes.com/nassim-nicholas-taleb/the-bed-of-procrustes/preoccupation-with-efficacy.md) Topics: [life](https://www.leafyquotes.com/topics/life.md), [heroism](https://www.leafyquotes.com/topics/heroism.md) > Modernity: we created youth without heroism, age without wisdom, and life without grandeur. [Nassim Nicholas Taleb](https://www.leafyquotes.com/nassim-nicholas-taleb.md) · [The Bed of Procrustes](https://www.leafyquotes.com/nassim-nicholas-taleb/the-bed-of-procrustes.md) · p. 27 — [Quote page](https://www.leafyquotes.com/nassim-nicholas-taleb/the-bed-of-procrustes/modernity-we-created.md) Topics: [old age](https://www.leafyquotes.com/topics/old-age.md), [youth](https://www.leafyquotes.com/topics/youth.md), [heroism](https://www.leafyquotes.com/topics/heroism.md) > [T]he epic poet did not judge heroes by the result... their fate depended on totally external forces... Heroes are heroes because they are heroic in behavior, not because they won or lost. [Nassim Nicholas Taleb](https://www.leafyquotes.com/nassim-nicholas-taleb.md) · [Fooled by Randomness](https://www.leafyquotes.com/nassim-nicholas-taleb/fooled-by-randomness.md) — [Quote page](https://www.leafyquotes.com/nassim-nicholas-taleb/fooled-by-randomness/t-he-epic-poet.md) Topics: [heroism](https://www.leafyquotes.com/topics/heroism.md) > The condemned man found himself transformed into a hero by the sheer extend of his widely advertised crimes, and sometimes the affirmation of his belated repentance. Against the law, against the rich, the powerful, the magistrates, the constabulary or the watch, against taxes and their collectors, he appeared to have waged a struggle with which one all too easily identified. The proclamation of these crimes blew up to epic proportions the tiny struggle that passed unperceived in everyday life. If the condemned man was shown to be repentant, accepting the verdict, asking both God and man for forgiveness for his crimes, it was as if he had come through some process of purification: he died, in his own way, like a saint. [Michel Foucault](https://www.leafyquotes.com/michel-foucault.md) · [Discipline and Punish](https://www.leafyquotes.com/michel-foucault/discipline-and-punish.md) · p. 67 — [Quote page](https://www.leafyquotes.com/michel-foucault/discipline-and-punish/the-condemned-man.md) Topics: [heroism](https://www.leafyquotes.com/topics/heroism.md), [crime](https://www.leafyquotes.com/topics/crime.md) > "My dear young friend," said Mustapha Mond, "civilization has absolutely no need of nobility or heroism. These things are symptoms of political inefficiency. In a properly organized society like ours, nobody has any opportunities for being noble or heroic. Conditions have got to be thoroughly unstable before the occasion can arise. Where there are wars], where there are divided allegiances, where there are temptations to be resisted, objects of love to be fought for or defended–there, obviously, nobility and heroism have some sense. But there aren't any wars nowadays. The greatest care is taken to prevent you from loving any one too much. There's no such thing as a divided allegiance; you're so conditioned that you can't help doing what you ought to do. And what you ought to do is on the whole so pleasant, so many of the natural impulses are allowed free play, that there really aren't any temptations to resist. And if ever, by some unlucky chance, anything unpleasant should somehow happen, why, there's always soma to give you a holiday from the facts. And there's always soma to calm your anger, to reconcile you to your enemies, to make you patient and long-suffering. In the past you could only accomplish these things by making a great effort and after years of hard moral training. Now, you swallow two or three half-gramme tablets, and there you are. Anybody can be virtuous now. You can carry at least half your morality about in a bottle. Christianity without tears–that's what soma is." [Aldous Huxley](https://www.leafyquotes.com/aldous-huxley.md) · [Brave New World](https://www.leafyquotes.com/aldous-huxley/brave-new-world.md) — [Quote page](https://www.leafyquotes.com/aldous-huxley/brave-new-world/my-dear-young.md) Topics: [morality](https://www.leafyquotes.com/topics/morality.md), [heroism](https://www.leafyquotes.com/topics/heroism.md), [drugs](https://www.leafyquotes.com/topics/drugs.md) > We have not even to risk the adventure alone, for the heroes of all time have gone before us — the labyrinth is thoroughly known. We have only to follow the thread of the hero path, and where we had thought to find an abomination, we shall find a god; where we had thought to slay another, we shall slay ourselves; where we had thought to travel outward, we shall come to the center of our own existence. And where we had thought to be alone, we shall be with all the world. [Joseph Campbell](https://www.leafyquotes.com/joseph-campbell.md) · [The Power of Myth](https://www.leafyquotes.com/joseph-campbell/the-power-of-myth.md) — [Quote page](https://www.leafyquotes.com/joseph-campbell/the-power-of-myth/we-have-not.md) Topics: [heroism](https://www.leafyquotes.com/topics/heroism.md), [mythology](https://www.leafyquotes.com/topics/mythology.md) > Moyers: Unlike heroes such as Prometheus or Jesus, we're not going on our journey to save the world but to save ourselves. > > Campbell: But in doing that you save the world. The influence of a vital person vitalizes, there's no doubt about it. The world without spirit is a wasteland. People have the notion of saving the world by shifting things around, changing the rules, and who's on top, and so forth. No, no! Any world is a valid world if it's alive. The thing to do is to bring life to it, and the only way to do that is to find in your own case where the life is and become alive yourself. [Joseph Campbell](https://www.leafyquotes.com/joseph-campbell.md) · [The Power of Myth](https://www.leafyquotes.com/joseph-campbell/the-power-of-myth.md) · p. 183 — [Quote page](https://www.leafyquotes.com/joseph-campbell/the-power-of-myth/moyers-unlike-heroes.md) Topics: [heroism](https://www.leafyquotes.com/topics/heroism.md), [spirituality](https://www.leafyquotes.com/topics/spirituality.md) > The achievement of the hero is one that he is ready for and it's really a manifestation of his character. It's amusing the way in which the landscape and conditions of the environment match the readiness of the hero. The adventure that he is ready for is the one that he gets … The adventure evoked a quality of his character that he didn't know he possessed. [Joseph Campbell](https://www.leafyquotes.com/joseph-campbell.md) · [The Power of Myth](https://www.leafyquotes.com/joseph-campbell/the-power-of-myth.md) — [Quote page](https://www.leafyquotes.com/joseph-campbell/the-power-of-myth/the-achievement-of-the.md) Topics: [character](https://www.leafyquotes.com/topics/character.md), [heroism](https://www.leafyquotes.com/topics/heroism.md), [adventure](https://www.leafyquotes.com/topics/adventure.md) > No more terrible disaster could befall your people than for them to fall into the hands of a Hero. [Frank Herbert](https://www.leafyquotes.com/frank-herbert.md) · [Dune](https://www.leafyquotes.com/frank-herbert/dune.md) — [Quote page](https://www.leafyquotes.com/frank-herbert/dune/no-more-terrible.md) Topics: [power](https://www.leafyquotes.com/topics/power.md), [heroism](https://www.leafyquotes.com/topics/heroism.md) > The true hero fights and dies in the name of his destiny, and not in the name of a belief. [Emil Cioran](https://www.leafyquotes.com/emil-cioran.md) · [A Short History of Decay](https://www.leafyquotes.com/emil-cioran/a-short-history-of-decay.md) — [Quote page](https://www.leafyquotes.com/emil-cioran/a-short-history-of-decay/the-true-hero.md) Topics: [fate](https://www.leafyquotes.com/topics/fate.md), [heroism](https://www.leafyquotes.com/topics/heroism.md) > "Sta, viator; heroem calcas." If I had found this epitaph on an ancient monument, I should at once have guessed it was modern; for there is nothing so common among us as heroes, but among the ancients they were rare. Instead of saying a man was a hero, they would have said what he had done to gain that name. [Jean Jacques Rousseau](https://www.leafyquotes.com/jean-jacques-rousseau.md) · [Emile; or On Education](https://www.leafyquotes.com/jean-jacques-rousseau/emile-or-on-education.md) — [Quote page](https://www.leafyquotes.com/jean-jacques-rousseau/emile-or-on-education/sta-viator-heroem.md) Topics: [heroism](https://www.leafyquotes.com/topics/heroism.md) > Reason perhaps teaches certain bourgeois virtues, but it does not make either heroes or saints. [Miguel de Unamuno](https://www.leafyquotes.com/miguel-de-unamuno.md) · [Tragic Sense of Life](https://www.leafyquotes.com/miguel-de-unamuno/tragic-sense-of-life.md) — [Quote page](https://www.leafyquotes.com/miguel-de-unamuno/tragic-sense-of-life/reason-perhaps-teaches.md) Topics: [reason](https://www.leafyquotes.com/topics/reason.md), [heroism](https://www.leafyquotes.com/topics/heroism.md), [holiness](https://www.leafyquotes.com/topics/holiness.md) > The greatest height of heroism to which an individual, like a people, can attain is to know how to face ridicule; better still, to know how to make oneself ridiculous and not to shrink from the ridicule. [Miguel de Unamuno](https://www.leafyquotes.com/miguel-de-unamuno.md) · [Tragic Sense of Life](https://www.leafyquotes.com/miguel-de-unamuno/tragic-sense-of-life.md) — [Quote page](https://www.leafyquotes.com/miguel-de-unamuno/tragic-sense-of-life/the-greatest-height.md) Topics: [courage](https://www.leafyquotes.com/topics/courage.md), [heroism](https://www.leafyquotes.com/topics/heroism.md) > Thus fought the heroes, tranquil their admirable hearts, violent their swords, resigned to kill and to die. [Jorge Luis Borges](https://www.leafyquotes.com/jorge-luis-borges.md) · [The Garden of Forking Paths](https://www.leafyquotes.com/jorge-luis-borges/the-garden-of-forking-paths.md) — [Quote page](https://www.leafyquotes.com/jorge-luis-borges/the-garden-of-forking-paths/thus-fought-the.md) Topics: [war](https://www.leafyquotes.com/topics/war.md), [heroism](https://www.leafyquotes.com/topics/heroism.md) > One question at any rate was answered. Never, for any reason on earth, could you wish for an increase of pain. Of pain you could wish only one thing: that it should stop. Nothing in the world was so bad as physical pain. In the face of pain there are no heroes, no heroes, he thought over and over as he writhed on the floor, clutching uselessly at his disabled left arm. [George Orwell](https://www.leafyquotes.com/george-orwell.md) · [Nineteen Eighty-Four](https://www.leafyquotes.com/george-orwell/nineteen-eighty-four.md) — [Quote page](https://www.leafyquotes.com/george-orwell/nineteen-eighty-four/one-question-at-any.md) Topics: [suffering](https://www.leafyquotes.com/topics/suffering.md), [heroism](https://www.leafyquotes.com/topics/heroism.md), [torture](https://www.leafyquotes.com/topics/torture.md)