The Lost Art of Heroism with Dr. Scott Allison

For many people, the word "hero" stirs up some resistance. The notion is that heroes exist "out there" in some far away place but not upclose in our lives, and certainly avoiding the possibility that each of us have the opportunity to be a hero, or be heroic in our own way.

This conversation with Dr. Scott Allison was a true treat. Dr. Allison is professor emeritus of psychology at the University of Richmond and a leading researcher and author on heroism and leadership. He has dedicated his career to studying what makes a hero, the psychological patterns behind heroic action, and how ordinary people can step into their own flavor of heroism.

In this episode of Tuesdays with Morrisey, host Adam Morrisey speaks with Dr. Scott Allison. Together, they explore the myths and realities of heroism, the psychology behind heroic leadership, and how we can apply these lessons to our own lives. See the top takeaways below.

Top Takeaways

1. Heroism is Love in Action – Scott defines heroism as an act of love, selflessness, and courage that anyone is capable of demonstrating.
2. The Hero's Journey is Universal – We all go through trials, transformations, and growth, just like mythological heroes. The key is how we use our experiences to help others.
3. Small Acts Have a Ripple Effect – Heroism isn't just about grand gestures—small acts of kindness, resilience, and service add up to a heroic life.
4. The Shadow Side of Heroism – Even heroes have flaws and struggles. Scott explains how overcoming personal challenges often leads to a greater capacity to serve others.
5. We Are Drawn to Stories for a Reason – Whether in movies, mythology, or real life, stories of heroism shape how we see ourselves and the world. Learning to analyze and apply them can help us grow.

Topics Covered

• The meaning and personal significance of W.H. Auden's quote, "We must love one another or die."
• Dr. Allison's decades-long exploration of heroism
• Why people often see heroism as distant—and what shifts that perception
• Insights from Joseph Campbell, Dr. Phil Zimbardo, and the heroic mindset
• Common traits of heroic leaders across history and myth
• The shadow side of heroes and how strengths often stem from hardship
• The role of cultural myths in shaping our worldview
• Reflections on modern leadership and the disappearing "unsung hero"
• Heroic principles for everyday life

We hope this conversation with Dr. Scott Allison inspires you to recognize the heroism in yourself and those around you.