A hero of the day is an individual praised for bravery or other noble qualities. He or she may also be described as someone who has helped others or the community. Everyday heroes can be healthcare professionals who put patients before themselves, teachers like Manjula Devi who help students learn despite hardships or firefighters who risk their lives to protect communities. Single mothers like Nia Johnson who work tirelessly to provide for their families also embody everyday heroism.
Often, these people don’t consider themselves to be heroes at all. Jon Meis, a Seattle Pacific student described as quiet and gentle didn’t expect to tackle and subdue a gunman in the middle of the night. Yet he did, and inspired others to follow suit. Or consider Bob Nicholls, a security consultant who wasn’t expecting to see a shootout in the Taj Hotel in Mumbai in 2008. Yet he instantly went into fight mode and saved dozens of lives.
Researcher Selwyn Becker and Alice Eagly describe heroism as a “moral instinct.” In other words, it’s an automatic reaction in situations where people are put in danger or their lives are at risk. It’s an evolutionary response.
These 25 real-life heroes — from all walks of life — are living proof of the positive impact individuals can have when they stand up for what they believe in. Their stories inspire young minds to believe in their own potential to make the world a better place. They clean rivers, build homes for veterans and bring health care to some of the darkest parts of the globe.
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