In the words from the movie, Mulan, “A single grain of rice can tip the scale- one man can be the difference between victory and defeat.” Meaning, one person has the ability to be a catalyst in any situation big or small. In such moments they can be seen in the eyes of those they help as a hero- regardless of how big or small their act of kindness is. Humans may not possess superpowers such as spidey-senses, incredible hulk strength, or self-healing capabilities- but they do have free will and the ability to be selfless. Giorgio Perlasca was one such human who was a catalyst that willingly placed the needs of thousands of refugees, during World War Two, before his own welfare. Perlasca is just one example of an authentic hero who was able to set into motion the liberation of thousands of people during the Nazi occupation of Hungary. An authentic hero is someone that is able to set aside their own needs, desires, and worries and help out another human or part of creation regardless of the circumstances. Authentic heroes are able to take the shape of any human- there is no set boundaries that must be crossed to be considered a hero. Instead the way in which a person impacts another is particular to each scenario because one person, like one grain of rice, can be the difference to uplift, save, or consol another person- making them a hero in their own right.
It may be difficult to place the needs of others before one’s own, but the act of doing so can be just as powerful –if not more- than any superpower. There are many such heroes in this world- although there are many that have still remained anonymous. Authentic heroes can take the shape of a stranger, such as Perlasca, who did not know the majority of the Jews he was helping smuggle out of Hungary.
At first glance, Giorgio Perlasca was an average man- carrying on with his life as usual after World War Two. However, if someone were to ask one of the thousands of people he signed through to safety- they would most certainly contradict that statement. Perlasca willingly stood his ground in Nazi occupied Hungary –under the false name of the Spanish ambassador- in order to grant safe passage to Jewish refugees. Perlasca’s choice to act as the Spanish Ambassador was both daring and reckelss. His fearless heart was able to rescue 5,200 human beings that would otherwise have been killed. While doing so, Giorgio Perlasca placed himself in peril countless times. Although, he was granted definite safety through the Spanish Embassy-under Franco- Perlasca decided to remain in Hungary. After some time, he assumed the alias of Spanish Ambassador. This was not asked of Giorgio Perlasca- instead he freely chose to stay behind in war torn Hungary to see to it that people were able to escape the destruction of the Nazis. In this way Perlasca chose to make himself a link that would connect refugees to the safety he was originally granted. This selfless act benefitted 5,200 lives – many of which never met Perlasca. This one man was able to change many lives all the while knowing the peril in which he was placing himself.
Perlasca’s life decisions were incredible and not everyone may have what it takes to have done what he chose to do. However, that does not make anyone else’s acts of kindness less note worthy. There are millions of people around the world that are acting as catalysts- making life better for others through various other good deeds. The strength to choose to help another at inconvenient times is truly a selfless act that can take any form.
Another form of an authentic hero that is a little different from Giorgio Perlasca- would be someone that does small acts of kindness. Those that give up their time for someone else, those that give others a helping hand, or someone who simply listens can qualify as a hero. The effects of these acts of kindness cannot be measured. However, the hero is still giving up their own time and energy to help someone in need. These little acts can be as cataclysmic as what Perlasca did in World War Two – just on a different level. If it can be imagined – what would have happened if someone’s kind act was erased? The world, no doubt, would be different. Each act of a hero causes a chain reaction. This is part of the strength behind the act of a hero- for when one person acts it is passed on –spreading the kindness with it. A mother’s sacrifice, a firefighters return to a burning building, a friend sticking up for another, or a person giving to someone on the streets- these people are authentic in their giving- not expecting gratitude for their action. However, this benevolence is exactly what qualifies them for the title of hero. Perlasca, who was just like any of these examples, returned home to Italy after the war and he did not parade around his good deeds. Instead he led a humble life and it was when those that he helped sought him out –was his legacy revealed.
One human being’s selflessness is a heroic act that can be the one thing that causes the scales to tip. One person, one gesture of compassion is the channel that causes another’s life to be made better. Each person has the capability to help out another in need and that is a powerful realization. Perlasca, like countless other men and women, had a fearless heart that was able to save many in a time of strife. People everywhere do not have to wait for a war to become a hero, instead the goodness in their heart can be seen at any time – anywhere making them an authentic hero as well.
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