What do you think?
Rate this book
What Makes a Hero?: The Surprising Science of Selflessness
An entertaining investigation into the biology and psychology of why we sacrifice for other people
Researchers are now applying the lens of science to study heroism for the first time. How do biology, upbringing, and outside influences intersect to produce altruistic and heroic behavior? And how can we encourage this behavior in corporations, classrooms, and individuals?
Using dozens of fascinating real-life examples, Elizabeth Svoboda explains how our genes compel us to do good for others, how going through suffering is linked to altruism, and how acting heroic can greatly improve your mental health. She also reveals the concrete things we can do to encourage our most heroic selves to step forward.
It’s a common misconception that heroes are heroic just because they’re innately predisposed to be that way. Svoboda shows why it’s not simply a matter of biological hardwiring and how anyone can be a hero if they're committed to developing their heroic potential.
Researchers are now applying the lens of science to study heroism for the first time. How do biology, upbringing, and outside influences intersect to produce altruistic and heroic behavior? And how can we encourage this behavior in corporations, classrooms, and individuals?
Using dozens of fascinating real-life examples, Elizabeth Svoboda explains how our genes compel us to do good for others, how going through suffering is linked to altruism, and how acting heroic can greatly improve your mental health. She also reveals the concrete things we can do to encourage our most heroic selves to step forward.
It’s a common misconception that heroes are heroic just because they’re innately predisposed to be that way. Svoboda shows why it’s not simply a matter of biological hardwiring and how anyone can be a hero if they're committed to developing their heroic potential.
240 pages, Hardcover
First published August 15, 2013
24 people are currently reading
521 people want to read
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 29 of 29 reviews
November 18, 2013
This was a decent book on altruism but didn't have much to do with heroism. There's a lot more that makes a hero than just being altruistic but the author just focused on her skewed and limited view of what makes a hero. It was very disappointing.
October 2, 2024
What Makes a Hero? explores the science of generosity and altruism, and why we sacrifice for other people. The author states: “Contrary to the lore surrounding our cape-clad icons, heroes are not some set-apart species. We all have the power to unlock our own potential heroism, and there are concrete things we can do to build on our selfless capabilities.”
“Everyone is capable of sacrificing for the greater good in some significant way, regardless of life circumstances, physical strength, worldview, or past actions.”
Altruism and a generous heart:
“[What’s] important is how we process the bad things that happen to us and whether we consciously decide to create redeeming meaning from them. To tip the balance toward openhearted altruism rather than defensiveness and emotional shutdown, we need to face our pain head-on
“One way to put difficult experiences into context, top avoid being swept into their undertow, is to view them from a universal perspective: For every setback we undergo—a job loss, an assault, an abandonment—thousands or millions of human beings all over the world java almost certainly absorbed a blow just like it. Not only does the mind-set prevent us from feeling alone in our suffering, it increases our empathy for others in the same situation.
Be open-minded to act generously:
There’s a big difference between shrinking away from “the homeless” and making eye-contact with a homeless human being.
The author says, “This kind of personalization is also an ideal way to combat the existential despair that descends when we realize we alone aren’t going to be able to solve problems like world hunger, genocide, or educational neglect.”
“When you meet a homeless man on the streets of San Francisco or see the face of a Rwandan boy in the newspaper, think of them not as “other” or a “foreigner,” but as someone who’s suffered disappointment and deprivation just as you have.
Helping others makes us healthier:
There’s plenty of research demonstrating that helping others makes us happier.
“Dedicating your life to something larger than yourself, research shows, imports a lasting sense of happiness and well-being—one that can sometimes be powerful enough to ward off depression, banish fatigue, and even add years to your life.”
“...being generous boosts your mood and health because it strengthens you sense that you’re doing something significant…The boost we get from helping may also mute our stress response, causing us to release fewer jarring stress hormones”
Volunteering creates connection:
I’ve found volunteering is a great way to feel part of a group.
“[Through volunteering] You’re creating more and more invisible lines of connection in the world, so you don’t feel as isolated and alienated. When you’re helpful and kind in the greater world, you’re going to start to experience community in many other places.”
Choose your opportunities wisely:
Burnout can be a danger in helping others if we’re not careful.
“To help make sure your altruistic tank isn’t regularly hitting empty, it makes sense to choose altruistic commitments that you enjoy for their own sake. …To balance your altruistic goals with the rest of your life, throw yourself into ventures that really matter to you”
“In the end, succeeding at your altruistic goals comes down to keeping them at the forefront of your mind when so many other responsibilities and concerns continually clamor for your attention.”
Heroism takes practice:
Volunteering can feel awkward at first.
“Developing heroic qualities like empathy, courage, altruism, and compassion is possible through deliberate practice...we refine capabilities like listening, generating empathy, and taking compassionate action by practicing them over and over again.”
“When we learn how to focus our attention, repeatedly doing things that are important to us, these new habits become hard-wired into our brains, making it easier and easier to carry them out… When we carry out the same altruistic behaviors day after day or week after week, then—whether it’s mentoring kids, serving food at a soup kitchen, or asking others if they need help—our brains will gradually rewire themselves”
“The opportunities for heroism and altruism are almost too abundant to be believed, provided we’re willing to broaden our focus long enough to truly see and understand them.” To broaden your heroic generosity read What Makes a Hero?
“Everyone is capable of sacrificing for the greater good in some significant way, regardless of life circumstances, physical strength, worldview, or past actions.”
Altruism and a generous heart:
“[What’s] important is how we process the bad things that happen to us and whether we consciously decide to create redeeming meaning from them. To tip the balance toward openhearted altruism rather than defensiveness and emotional shutdown, we need to face our pain head-on
“One way to put difficult experiences into context, top avoid being swept into their undertow, is to view them from a universal perspective: For every setback we undergo—a job loss, an assault, an abandonment—thousands or millions of human beings all over the world java almost certainly absorbed a blow just like it. Not only does the mind-set prevent us from feeling alone in our suffering, it increases our empathy for others in the same situation.
Be open-minded to act generously:
There’s a big difference between shrinking away from “the homeless” and making eye-contact with a homeless human being.
The author says, “This kind of personalization is also an ideal way to combat the existential despair that descends when we realize we alone aren’t going to be able to solve problems like world hunger, genocide, or educational neglect.”
“When you meet a homeless man on the streets of San Francisco or see the face of a Rwandan boy in the newspaper, think of them not as “other” or a “foreigner,” but as someone who’s suffered disappointment and deprivation just as you have.
Helping others makes us healthier:
There’s plenty of research demonstrating that helping others makes us happier.
“Dedicating your life to something larger than yourself, research shows, imports a lasting sense of happiness and well-being—one that can sometimes be powerful enough to ward off depression, banish fatigue, and even add years to your life.”
“...being generous boosts your mood and health because it strengthens you sense that you’re doing something significant…The boost we get from helping may also mute our stress response, causing us to release fewer jarring stress hormones”
Volunteering creates connection:
I’ve found volunteering is a great way to feel part of a group.
“[Through volunteering] You’re creating more and more invisible lines of connection in the world, so you don’t feel as isolated and alienated. When you’re helpful and kind in the greater world, you’re going to start to experience community in many other places.”
Choose your opportunities wisely:
Burnout can be a danger in helping others if we’re not careful.
“To help make sure your altruistic tank isn’t regularly hitting empty, it makes sense to choose altruistic commitments that you enjoy for their own sake. …To balance your altruistic goals with the rest of your life, throw yourself into ventures that really matter to you”
“In the end, succeeding at your altruistic goals comes down to keeping them at the forefront of your mind when so many other responsibilities and concerns continually clamor for your attention.”
Heroism takes practice:
Volunteering can feel awkward at first.
“Developing heroic qualities like empathy, courage, altruism, and compassion is possible through deliberate practice...we refine capabilities like listening, generating empathy, and taking compassionate action by practicing them over and over again.”
“When we learn how to focus our attention, repeatedly doing things that are important to us, these new habits become hard-wired into our brains, making it easier and easier to carry them out… When we carry out the same altruistic behaviors day after day or week after week, then—whether it’s mentoring kids, serving food at a soup kitchen, or asking others if they need help—our brains will gradually rewire themselves”
“The opportunities for heroism and altruism are almost too abundant to be believed, provided we’re willing to broaden our focus long enough to truly see and understand them.” To broaden your heroic generosity read What Makes a Hero?
June 21, 2020
I am glad this book has found its way to life. Writing books is an art and a hard labour. So thank you for producing this important piece. It has many many flaws but lets hop it is a start for the author.
The author seems to be in love with the authority of Zimbardo and Milgram, the most reknown psycho scientists of the 20th century. She quotes them and their experiments non stop. Why is that a problem?
Around 2 years ago their famous experiments that guided their academic fame were debunked. They happened to be science hoax.
*
More to that: while reading about Zimbardos project Heroic Imagination that provides workshops on heroism in schools I got shocked. The theories they use are against best working practices I know as a life-coach and specialist on mind-body connection.
They tell kids about their dark sides and explain how they can overcome them. If you program kids into believing their dark sides, you will get dark kids. If you tell kids they are amazing souls and teach how to enhance it, you will get even more amazing kids.
I guess the problem is that Zimbardo might have deep problems of his own that he projects into his science-looking methods and practices.
*
I struggled to finish the book but as a result came up with a brilliant idea of a workshop I will slowly start to develop myself. I liked the words: often what the world needs is what we need. Very true and had to be communicated to wider public.
The author seems to be in love with the authority of Zimbardo and Milgram, the most reknown psycho scientists of the 20th century. She quotes them and their experiments non stop. Why is that a problem?
Around 2 years ago their famous experiments that guided their academic fame were debunked. They happened to be science hoax.
*
More to that: while reading about Zimbardos project Heroic Imagination that provides workshops on heroism in schools I got shocked. The theories they use are against best working practices I know as a life-coach and specialist on mind-body connection.
They tell kids about their dark sides and explain how they can overcome them. If you program kids into believing their dark sides, you will get dark kids. If you tell kids they are amazing souls and teach how to enhance it, you will get even more amazing kids.
I guess the problem is that Zimbardo might have deep problems of his own that he projects into his science-looking methods and practices.
*
I struggled to finish the book but as a result came up with a brilliant idea of a workshop I will slowly start to develop myself. I liked the words: often what the world needs is what we need. Very true and had to be communicated to wider public.
December 18, 2021
This book may have explained the science of why human give. Becoming a hero is already wired in us it just needs some time to develop within us. Example donating blood, kidney (https://www.nkdo.org/nkdo-membership, https://www.nkdo.org/share-your-spare) , eyes takes a lot of thinking before deciding. It takes a lot of courage and acceptance as to why we have to give it to a stranger or a friend or a relative. Svoboda's book explains that at the deepest core of our being human we are born to give, we are born as a hero.
We are just like a match or a candle waiting to be lit. We are born selfless. We are all heroes.
We are just like a match or a candle waiting to be lit. We are born selfless. We are all heroes.
December 27, 2018
I was pleasantly surprised by What Makes a Hero by Elizabeth Svoboda. The journalistic approach towards interpreting the social scientific perspective on selflessness, altruism, and compassion was a strength. Svoboda made more of an effort than most by going beyond interpreting the studies and actually interviewing many of the core figures behind the research. However, this strength also invites less criticism by the author towards the research itself to some extent. Nonetheless, I would recommend this book to anyone interested in the topics of altruism, heroism, etc.
July 11, 2019
Gives so many examples of heroic action. You might as well name the book as "Compilations of Heroic Actions of All Time".
The book use many difficult words so it's pretty hard to understand. Unfortunately, those unusual words don't make the text more beautiful, but make it annoying instead. I don't mind reading a book while opening google translate to help me understand better, but it is not worth it for this book since you can always get similar contents on the internet with easier words.
The book use many difficult words so it's pretty hard to understand. Unfortunately, those unusual words don't make the text more beautiful, but make it annoying instead. I don't mind reading a book while opening google translate to help me understand better, but it is not worth it for this book since you can always get similar contents on the internet with easier words.
April 11, 2022
A better title would be, “The annoyingly detailed narrative of a self absorbed SJW who needed an audience to listen to all her good deeds”
One more description of what the writer ate would have put me in a mental hospital.
I also listened to the audiobook with a reader who couldn’t pronounce many words such as anathema, nefarious, Persephone, etc.
One more description of what the writer ate would have put me in a mental hospital.
I also listened to the audiobook with a reader who couldn’t pronounce many words such as anathema, nefarious, Persephone, etc.
November 27, 2024
I was already familiar with all the research in this book. Seems like it could have been an article rather than a book. Lots about altruism and less about real heroism. Also I listened to this one and the narrator sounded most appropriate for a child character in a cartoon. Also she mispronounced so many words. Very distracting!
September 24, 2017
The author and I have very different views of the difference between heroism, altruism, and ethics. The surface treatment of the profession of firefighter was also a little disappointing. There was potential here but it just never came together for me.
August 6, 2015
This was a quick read that basically argues that everyone has the capacity to be a hero and that we are not born heroes but rather we develop heroic qualities that we can foster through mindfulness for example. It argues that someone that has gone through a similar situation to you can be very helpful in your recovery process because they know what it feels like. One of the examples Elizabeth uses is if a person falls into a hole and there are two people standing outside the hole trying to help you out: a PhD in holes (or something) and someone that once fell into and got out of a hole - who would you choose to help you? The person who fell into the hole and got out could have much better advice than the person who only studied it.
Elizabeth talks a lot about the Zimbardo and Milgram experiments, native to the introduction to psychology studies.
Favourite quotes (first two are my absolute favourite):
Instead of resenting your past, you accept it as a fundamental part of your destiny.
McGonigal assures the questioner her resistance is normal. "A willingness to be with your own difficult experiences is the foundation for having compassion for others."
And therein lies perhaps the most important key to leading an altruistic life: having the courage to see beyond the particular circumstances of our own existence.
Dedicating your life to something larger than yourself, research shows, imparts a lasting sense of happiness and well-being - one that can sometimes be powerful enough to ward off depression, banish fatigue, and even add years to your life.
People who have undergone significant suffering may emerge from the experience with higher levels of empathy, a more positive orientation toward others, and a conviction that they are personally responsible for others' welfare. In his surveys, Zimbardo has found that survivors of a disaster or personal trauma are 3 times more likely to be heroes and volunteers.
Scientific theories and measuring tools may help reveal the origins of generous impulses and the reasoning behind them, but each act of generosity remains shrouded in some essential degree of mystery.
The political theorist Hannah Ardent's doctrine of the "banality of evil" states that ordinary people are capable of evil under the wrong circumstances. But the "banality of heroism" - a term Zimbardo popularized - implies the flip side: everyone is capable of sacrificing for the greater good in some significant way, regardless of life circumstances, physical strength, worldview, or past actions.
Elizabeth talks a lot about the Zimbardo and Milgram experiments, native to the introduction to psychology studies.
Favourite quotes (first two are my absolute favourite):
Instead of resenting your past, you accept it as a fundamental part of your destiny.
McGonigal assures the questioner her resistance is normal. "A willingness to be with your own difficult experiences is the foundation for having compassion for others."
And therein lies perhaps the most important key to leading an altruistic life: having the courage to see beyond the particular circumstances of our own existence.
Dedicating your life to something larger than yourself, research shows, imparts a lasting sense of happiness and well-being - one that can sometimes be powerful enough to ward off depression, banish fatigue, and even add years to your life.
People who have undergone significant suffering may emerge from the experience with higher levels of empathy, a more positive orientation toward others, and a conviction that they are personally responsible for others' welfare. In his surveys, Zimbardo has found that survivors of a disaster or personal trauma are 3 times more likely to be heroes and volunteers.
Scientific theories and measuring tools may help reveal the origins of generous impulses and the reasoning behind them, but each act of generosity remains shrouded in some essential degree of mystery.
The political theorist Hannah Ardent's doctrine of the "banality of evil" states that ordinary people are capable of evil under the wrong circumstances. But the "banality of heroism" - a term Zimbardo popularized - implies the flip side: everyone is capable of sacrificing for the greater good in some significant way, regardless of life circumstances, physical strength, worldview, or past actions.
August 12, 2013
First off, I won this book as a first read giveaway through Goodreads.
The book has been given two stars because of two main issues, both of which I will address below. Overall the book was ok. It had me thinking and wondering about what a hero was and if being selfless made a hero. I even asked my husband, who just stared at me and then gave me this answer: "A hero is someone who does one act of heroism". Umm... As you can assume, this did nothing for me, so I read on.
Issues:
1)The author gives a lot of examples of what or may be selfless acts, many of which sound crazy and slightly unbelievable, but still, many people leave unbelievable lives and bizarre things happen all the time. Most of the time her examples were of either personal accounts or third person stories from people she didn't know. Often she would sprinkle in some scientific accounts or study information, but most of the time the story was a jumble that jumped from example to example. There were no explanations about where she got this information, except for bibliography type reference pages in the back of the book.
2) The wording was odd and it felt as if the author was trying to impress with her vocabulary. She used some words that even I had no idea what they were, but did not give an explanation of what they were until a few pages after using. I have a large vocabulary and know many large, rarely used words, but even I was dumbfounded by some of the words. The wording could have been better and the way the words were used could have helped people with less of a spelling/definition background.
Many people with limited vocabulary or anyone other than the HS honor student, with no college degree will find this book hard to read, confusing, and difficult to follow. I had problems with that and I am a college educated professional in medicine.
Now, if you look at my to-read list, and my read list, you see NONE of these types of books. This is the reason for it. Instead of it being a book that is thought provoking, which it would have been if I hadn't had to keep looking back and questioning who people were or what they had to do with the book, it comes off as a book where someone is trying to show off how smart they are and how they know more about this subject than others.
In plain words.. It reads more like a college text book than a regular non-fiction book thst anyone can read.
The book has been given two stars because of two main issues, both of which I will address below. Overall the book was ok. It had me thinking and wondering about what a hero was and if being selfless made a hero. I even asked my husband, who just stared at me and then gave me this answer: "A hero is someone who does one act of heroism". Umm... As you can assume, this did nothing for me, so I read on.
Issues:
1)The author gives a lot of examples of what or may be selfless acts, many of which sound crazy and slightly unbelievable, but still, many people leave unbelievable lives and bizarre things happen all the time. Most of the time her examples were of either personal accounts or third person stories from people she didn't know. Often she would sprinkle in some scientific accounts or study information, but most of the time the story was a jumble that jumped from example to example. There were no explanations about where she got this information, except for bibliography type reference pages in the back of the book.
2) The wording was odd and it felt as if the author was trying to impress with her vocabulary. She used some words that even I had no idea what they were, but did not give an explanation of what they were until a few pages after using. I have a large vocabulary and know many large, rarely used words, but even I was dumbfounded by some of the words. The wording could have been better and the way the words were used could have helped people with less of a spelling/definition background.
Many people with limited vocabulary or anyone other than the HS honor student, with no college degree will find this book hard to read, confusing, and difficult to follow. I had problems with that and I am a college educated professional in medicine.
Now, if you look at my to-read list, and my read list, you see NONE of these types of books. This is the reason for it. Instead of it being a book that is thought provoking, which it would have been if I hadn't had to keep looking back and questioning who people were or what they had to do with the book, it comes off as a book where someone is trying to show off how smart they are and how they know more about this subject than others.
In plain words.. It reads more like a college text book than a regular non-fiction book thst anyone can read.
August 19, 2016
This book has one of the best covers I've seen in years. So striking, people kept stopping by my desk and peering at it, trying to figure out what it was about.
This book is full of secondhand research about the science of altruism. I can sum it up: people can be cruel if they're asked to be cruel. People who have suffered and were helped in the time of their suffering are more likely to be heroically altruistic. People who help other people on a regular basis are happier, healthier and live longer. With practice, people can become used to being those who regularly help others.
Much of this research I'd read about before, as Svoboda draws from such psychology staples as the famous Milgram prisoner experiment and the Good Samaritan late for a talk experiment. She's read a lot of the same books I've read, it seems, and Svoboda uses the examples well to promote her ideas of how people can become more altruistic.
I do have a few problems with it. For one, I have not personally found that volunteering and helping others makes me happier. Usually, I feel extremely resentful and emotionally overdrawn. The book Give and Take talks a little about this. Two: I never found supplemental arguments for why a person would, on an individual level, want to be more altruistic. I don't feel better about myself when I give money to a charity or to a homeless person, I just feel like I've been emotionally manipulated. Time spent in a soup kitchen would just be time away from my family. Why should I want to be more altruistic? That may sound selfish and fatuous, but I think it's a valid question. Perhaps she has a different kind of reader in mind, someone who feels they lack connection with other people, someone who feels good helping strangers.
If you're already interested in becoming more giving, more caring towards strangers, and more inclined to volunteer and donate to charity, this book will give you some ideas for how to improve.
This book is full of secondhand research about the science of altruism. I can sum it up: people can be cruel if they're asked to be cruel. People who have suffered and were helped in the time of their suffering are more likely to be heroically altruistic. People who help other people on a regular basis are happier, healthier and live longer. With practice, people can become used to being those who regularly help others.
Much of this research I'd read about before, as Svoboda draws from such psychology staples as the famous Milgram prisoner experiment and the Good Samaritan late for a talk experiment. She's read a lot of the same books I've read, it seems, and Svoboda uses the examples well to promote her ideas of how people can become more altruistic.
I do have a few problems with it. For one, I have not personally found that volunteering and helping others makes me happier. Usually, I feel extremely resentful and emotionally overdrawn. The book Give and Take talks a little about this. Two: I never found supplemental arguments for why a person would, on an individual level, want to be more altruistic. I don't feel better about myself when I give money to a charity or to a homeless person, I just feel like I've been emotionally manipulated. Time spent in a soup kitchen would just be time away from my family. Why should I want to be more altruistic? That may sound selfish and fatuous, but I think it's a valid question. Perhaps she has a different kind of reader in mind, someone who feels they lack connection with other people, someone who feels good helping strangers.
If you're already interested in becoming more giving, more caring towards strangers, and more inclined to volunteer and donate to charity, this book will give you some ideas for how to improve.
May 16, 2015
The name is a little misleading because this is more a travelogue of one reporters effort to learn about the human capacity for heroism than it is a straightforward presentation of scientific research.
It does start with a review of the current scientific thinking on the evolutionary origin of altruism through group selection (i.e. it’s not survival of the fittest individual, it’s survival of the fittest group; the group that cooperates the best.) and it touches on some of the famous psychological studies (the prison experiment, the Milgram experiment, etc.) and psychological phenomena (compassion collapse, bystander effect, etc.) that explain peoples failure to act pro-socially, but it also details the authors personal exploration of the concept of heroism; meeting participants in the “real life superhero” movement, learning a form of meditation designed to promote compassion, and handing out packages of necessities to the homeless in order to experience the natural high that volunteers report.
It’s a quick and a very light introduction to the topic but if you’re really interested in getting into the science, then “Just Babies: The Origins of Good and Evil” by Paul Bloom may be more up your alley.
It does start with a review of the current scientific thinking on the evolutionary origin of altruism through group selection (i.e. it’s not survival of the fittest individual, it’s survival of the fittest group; the group that cooperates the best.) and it touches on some of the famous psychological studies (the prison experiment, the Milgram experiment, etc.) and psychological phenomena (compassion collapse, bystander effect, etc.) that explain peoples failure to act pro-socially, but it also details the authors personal exploration of the concept of heroism; meeting participants in the “real life superhero” movement, learning a form of meditation designed to promote compassion, and handing out packages of necessities to the homeless in order to experience the natural high that volunteers report.
It’s a quick and a very light introduction to the topic but if you’re really interested in getting into the science, then “Just Babies: The Origins of Good and Evil” by Paul Bloom may be more up your alley.
September 3, 2013
I'm so excited I won this book on Good Reads! I started flipping through it the moment it came in the mail.
I am just now actually reading it but am afraid this is going to take me longer than usual because I am highlighting and taking notes! Withing the first few pages I immediately called the Publisher to see about getting approval to use some quotes for my class. I teach high school and I think there is some really great points. If I put my highlighter down I know I could read it faster but I LOVE books I can take notes and use in the class. Keep your fingers crossed that I get approval!
Finally finished reading. I really enjoyed the stories t hat were used to back up the scientific theory! I think it is an interesting read and an intriguing idea that heroism isn't just a trait you have or you don't! I will definitely be making contact with the publisher to see if I can use parts of the book in class. ( I am a teacher) I teach a unit on character ed and I think that s one great discussion, thoughts, journals, and debates could be started with some quotes and sections from this book!
I am just now actually reading it but am afraid this is going to take me longer than usual because I am highlighting and taking notes! Withing the first few pages I immediately called the Publisher to see about getting approval to use some quotes for my class. I teach high school and I think there is some really great points. If I put my highlighter down I know I could read it faster but I LOVE books I can take notes and use in the class. Keep your fingers crossed that I get approval!
Finally finished reading. I really enjoyed the stories t hat were used to back up the scientific theory! I think it is an interesting read and an intriguing idea that heroism isn't just a trait you have or you don't! I will definitely be making contact with the publisher to see if I can use parts of the book in class. ( I am a teacher) I teach a unit on character ed and I think that s one great discussion, thoughts, journals, and debates could be started with some quotes and sections from this book!
August 18, 2013
This is a book about human character which states that suffering is linked to altruism. Questionable, considering the fact that most abusers (sadists) have a history of having been victims of abuse. In order to produce selfless acts a culture must include an upbringing that promotes empathy. In other words, children must not be untaught empathy, an otherwise innate characteristic (with the exception of psychopaths). This is only possible in a society that is free of unnatural hierarchies. As long as we live in a patriarchal socioeconomic system, the idea with remain just that. ... Book Review: What Makes a Hero? The Surprising Science of Selflessness By Elizabeth Svoboda » Katarina Nolte
http://katarinanolte.com/WordPressBlo...
http://katarinanolte.com/WordPressBlo...
June 12, 2014
I received this book from a Goodreads First Reads giveaway.
Being a hero. Changing the world. Saving the day.
Almost everyone would like to do those things. How does it work, and where do heroes come from?
This book delves deep into the biology, psychology, and philosophy of heroism. As good news to those who want to make a difference, the author says we can all be heroic.
All of us have some genetic predisposition to compassion. That serves as a basic building block for altruism and heroism. But genes only do part of the work...we can learn and train to be more heroic.
The theories and practices that are exposed in this book are fascinating.
I recommend this title to all who are interested in psychology, charitable works, and of course superheroes.
Being a hero. Changing the world. Saving the day.
Almost everyone would like to do those things. How does it work, and where do heroes come from?
This book delves deep into the biology, psychology, and philosophy of heroism. As good news to those who want to make a difference, the author says we can all be heroic.
All of us have some genetic predisposition to compassion. That serves as a basic building block for altruism and heroism. But genes only do part of the work...we can learn and train to be more heroic.
The theories and practices that are exposed in this book are fascinating.
I recommend this title to all who are interested in psychology, charitable works, and of course superheroes.
January 16, 2015
Elizabeth Svoboda, at times during "What Makes A Hero?", writes inspired. More often than not actually. The first five pages are made to be made out loud and relished. It leads one to ask questions about one's life and one's purpose. I believe many of us have had times when we recognize the overall laziness that creeks into our lives. A simple look at how much time we watch useless TV is enough of a bright light so at times we are blind. Ms. Svoboda's book explores what makes a hero. Through the science behind selflessness she demonstrates that heroic action can be learned; that heroic inclinations can be learned; and that heroes can, in fact, be made. Rarely does the book drag (but it does happen), but the overall effect is electric. Strongly recommended.
November 27, 2014
Not at all what I thought it might be.
New age mumbo-jumbo by a hormone filled (she was pregnant - how sweet), easily influenced bubble-head.
Takes us on a cruise through 'feel good' land.
The one redeeming value being her adding the results of the human nature experiments that were done. I found that interesting.
A Pastor or charitable head might do well to listen for that reason.
Mostly, a waste of time.
New age mumbo-jumbo by a hormone filled (she was pregnant - how sweet), easily influenced bubble-head.
Takes us on a cruise through 'feel good' land.
The one redeeming value being her adding the results of the human nature experiments that were done. I found that interesting.
A Pastor or charitable head might do well to listen for that reason.
Mostly, a waste of time.
Read
August 25, 2013GoodReads Giveaways Book
In this surprising deep analysis of how heroes are formed in everyday society, Elizabeth weaves every kind of situation together and validates theories with statistics. Addressing nurture versus nature, this book is perfect for any writer, of any genre, for character development and understanding why the protagonist of any story make the choices they do.
In this surprising deep analysis of how heroes are formed in everyday society, Elizabeth weaves every kind of situation together and validates theories with statistics. Addressing nurture versus nature, this book is perfect for any writer, of any genre, for character development and understanding why the protagonist of any story make the choices they do.
January 27, 2015
Interesting look into the science of altruism. It was fascinating to see an agnostic/atheist take on a quality that many religions have been promoting for all of recorded history. The book had many positive anecdotes that are inspiring and help the would-be altruist move toward a more selfless way of life. It was worth the few hours I gave to listen to the book.
April 10, 2015
Interesting stories on acts of heroism and the concept of altruism. Some scientific references although very common in casual socio/psychology books are very interesting. Don't let the title mislead you and colorful cover mislead you, heroism and the concept of a hero is not as outlined as much as compassion.
September 24, 2013
Engaging book about how every day people can develop their altruistic and heroic selves through practice, just like an athlete improving performance through regular exercise. Well researched with up to date science.
January 6, 2014
Ms. Svoboda prompts an important and necessary conversation about generosity, empathy, and heroic action. Informative and thought-provoking. Dares us to move beyond our comfort zone, to act upon our good intentions.
February 8, 2015
Fairly interesting. She focused mostly on being mindful and not worrying about what other people think. It is sad how much we change our behavior because of what we think others will think of us. We should be courageous enough to act because it is the right thing to do.
November 18, 2013
Good storytelling and references to interesting scientific studies make for a compelling read. Great for small group and for non-profit leaders, to be understand why people volunteer.
October 18, 2013
a fairly interesting exploration of generosity and heroism. The scientific side is more compelling than the author's personal stories.
February 12, 2015
I didn't finish the book. The section about Hero is only about 10-15% of the front. The next part is full of experiments on compassion.
April 8, 2015
Some very interesting information in this book, but marred in my view but the over sentimental style. It's a book about science. It shouldn't be about how the author feels about the issue.
January 19, 2016
Redundant, vague arguments.
Displaying 1 - 29 of 29 reviews