ABSTRACT
Heroes offer inspirational models of accomplished performance and moral commitment. Throughout our lifetimes, most of us have had a long list and wide range of heroes. Some may be fleeting, and some may be lasting. Some who are no longer our heroes may have been important to us at particular points in our psychological development. But they are no longer heroes because we have moved on to other aims and aspirations. The persons who inspired us at age ten, for example, might not be psychologically relevant as adults. When we were younger, baseball All Star Willie Mays was a hero known for his amazing abilities, and his cheerful athleticism and dedicated achievement. We were inspired to work as hard and happily and effectively as Willie. Internalizing aspects of his heroism helped us develop beyond the domain in which he motivated us.
