StoryShot #1: The Hero Code Is a Code of Conduct

Admiral William McRaven explains that the hero code isn’t a puzzle. It is a moral code or code of conduct to live by. McRaven was inspired to create a hero code after overseeing valiant efforts from soldiers living under the military code. McRaven believes we all possess this hero code, though. It has been present in humans since the beginning of mankind. The hero code is built on the noble qualities that led to people exploring the world and scientists developing our understanding. So, the hero code includes the virtues and values that McRaven has encountered during his life. The hero code involves a willingness to help others, put yourself at risk to make a positive change and keep morality in mind with all actions.

StoryShot #2: Lieutenant Ashley White Was a Courageous Hero

Ashley White was part of McRaven’s cultural support team in Afghanistan. It was culturally insensitive for Afghan or American men to be touching and moving the Afghan women. So, the job required physically and mentally tough women, like Ashley White, to remain culturally sensitive while also maintaining control. White was one of the first individuals to sign up for this cultural support team. 

McRaven explains that being in combat zones like Afghanistan will fill you with fear. Anybody who says otherwise is lying. The key is to bury this fear and use it to fuel your heroism. White buried this fear and got in the helicopters every single night to go out on these missions. This took immense courage. 

White eventually gave her life to her fellow soldiers while serving in Afghanistan. She stepped on a pressure plate mine that ended her life and two rangers’ lives.

StoryShot #3: Courage Doesn’t Require One Big Moment

McRaven points out that courage isn’t about one huge act. Courage is also the everyday average acts of bravery, like the parents who are looking after their children despite the stressors of life. It is also the coaches who are teaching athletes and the cops who are keeping the streets safe. These behaviors are just as heroic and courageous as the big moments that we all remember. Any actions you take that are driven by the hero code, meaning they are for the better of other people and aligned with morality, can be considered heroic. So, take this knowledge into your life and positively influence the world by seeking out as many opportunities to be heroic as possible.