Authors
Carol D Ryff
Publication date
2023/8/9
Book
Encyclopedia of heroism studies
Pages
1-9
Publisher
Springer International Publishing
Description
A growing literature makes clear there are many ways to be heroic. Short-term acts of heroism, often dramatic, are undeniably worthy of attention, but my emphasis is on enduring life pursuits that reveal qualities of heroism. This focus reflects a longstanding interest in the topic of psychological well-being–specifically a eudaimonic model developed several decades ago (Ryff 1989). After briefly distilling the literature on heroism, this chapter offers a distilled description of eudaimonia and explains why it matters. The chapter then probes various questions regarding the psychological profiles of heroes, such as whether high purposeful life engagement, a key aspect of eudaimonic wellbeing, constitutes a prerequisite for enduring heroic pursuit. Similarly, this chapter considers whether well-being offers a framework for distinguishing between major life endeavors that are virtuous (others oriented, compassionate) versus …
Total citations
Scholar articles
CD Ryff - Encyclopedia of heroism studies, 2023