I hate to revive old posts but I'd rather do that than make a repeat post. So I did a quick search of old posts. Anyway, I'd say "inspirational figures" more than heroes, personally. Just because the term "heroes" seems like it's placing someone on a pedestal to be worshiped and I try to remember that everyone has flaws. Figures whom have inspired me though (and I'm going to include a couple fictional characters at the end) include:

Trent Reznor. Basically, started Nine Inch Nails as a one man band (later hiring a band to play for touring purposes), producing the albums all by himself. Created one of the greatest all time albums in his debut and became the biggest thing to hit industrial hard rock music. Has yet to put out a bad album in all the years he's been around. Creative genius.

Marilyn Manson. Admittedly, he hasn't been relevant since the 90s and his later and recent material is "blah", and not everything he did was original, but as a kid growing up in the 90s (his actual prime/peak), his music did for me what punk, Pink Floyd or the music of the 60s did for those generations. Made me start questioning the world around me (popular morality, religious affiliation, celebrity worship, etc).

Tech N9ne. Independent rapper and built a big name by doing it his own way, rejecting major label offers who would've only tried to stifle his creativity. Influenced as much by hard rock and metal as he was oldschool rap, r and b, and various other genres, he named his later music label after the Doors (Strange Music). I also dig the fact that common themes in his albums (AngHellic, All 6s and 7s, etc etc) are about him being a mix of "light" and "dark" elements.

Johnny Cash. As with Tech above, he made his name while going against the grain of the mainstream in his chosen genre and generally pissing off the Nashville establishment by doing things his own way. Influenced diverse artists from many genres. He's the country singer that many people who don't even like country make an exception for.

Rob Halford. Lead singer of iconic band, Judas Priest. For such a "macho" genre as heavy metal, it was extra ballsy for Halford to come later "out" as a gay man.

Thomas Jefferson. Primary author of Declaration of Independence. World traveled polymath with various interests including agriculture, art, culinary, equestrian, multiple languages, etc). Initially intended the constitution to be a "living document" that could change with the times. A founding father who was a strong figure for free speech and limited government.

Christopher Hitchens and Sam Harris. Two of the big "4 Horsemen" atheist authors of the late 2000s, I was a fan of their books ("God is Not Great: How Religion Poisons Everything" and "Letter to a Christian Nation.") I also was a fan of how Hitchens was not afraid to be a contrarian and despite being generally liberal, I wonder, if he still lived, how he'd feel about the modern left, social media and cancel culture, etc. I also like parts of Harris book "Waking Up: A Guide to Spirituality for Nonbelievers" as I find the concept interesting and have been curious about meditation for a while.

Malala Yousafzai. Stood up for female education in a place where such a thing is HIGHLY dangerous due to Taliban nutjob presence and influence.

Royce Gracie. Helped propel MMA to it's rise in popularity during the early days of UFC. His was a very impressive record. Brazilian jiu-jitsu was a fighting and self defense style that seems to fit smaller guys (like myself) well. It's designed to help you use your opponent's own weight against them. The Gracie family has trained and influenced many. Martial arts is more than just violence. In addition to self defense, it's a tool to help self-esteem for many people as well as a healthy way to remain active.

Bret Hart. WWE. (note. yes, we all know pro wrestling is a choreographed, scripted, etc who for entertainment. So are action movies and theatrical plays. Though the athleticism required is still tremendous). Bret got his "big break" and first World title run back when the WWE had largely previously been dominated by "giant" types like Hogan. Bret was a smaller, faster guy with roots in actual Greco Roman wrestling (his entire large family including his dad was known for both "real" and staged stuff in Canada) and grappling who would use technique to beat much larger guys, often reversing some move by opponent or making his endings a bit more unpredictable. Always looked stylish doing so, with the black leather jacket, long hair and neon pink shades and tights. Promoted at that time, honestly probably half due to the WWE steroid scandal and the WWE's desire for an image change.

Raven. only other "wrestler" I'll mention. Actually genius IQ in real life. Kinda defies the stereotypes some people have about the performers. Is oft quoted as a master of "ring psychology" and how to work a crowd and plays an entertaining villain. Has co-written an issue of Spider-Man for Marvel. Wears shirts to ring of some of the same bands I get into.

Batman. As for fictional "superhero" characters, I like him because he's NOT some overly powered being. Money aside, his insane drive, ability and intellect are what makes him stand out. He has no life outside his "mission". He wanted to be a symbol for "the common man" to do things and stand up.

Jesus and Lucifer. This goes back to the whole yin yan thing. Even as a nonbeliever, I like parts of Jesus as a mere mythological character. Selflessness to give all for others. Charity, etc. BUT, depending on how you interpret the story, "Lucifer" could be seen as symbolic of knowledge (as in Garden of Eden story or kind of similar to Prometheus stealing fire from the gods to give to men) and our carnal natures as men. Some positive traits, also.

Professor X and Magneto (X-Men). Daniel LaRusso and Johnny Lawrence (Cobra Kai). Many times, a calm peaceful level headed approach is what is required (X, Daniel). Other times, such a mentality will only succeed in getting you walked all over, so more aggression is occasionally called for (Magneto, Johnny)

 

OK I'm not religious but if there really is a being known as the Devil(Lucifer,Prince of lies or whatever else you want to call him) would he really be evil?. He's supposed to rule over the damned but to use a saying I've heard before "you wouldn't put a serial killer in charge of a prison".

 

A lot of dead people I'd like to chat with, nothing in particular to ask though, who knows how honest they would be. No heros, no questions I want answered, no one inspired me.

 

Captain WEG "titus" Oates!

thinskin

 

My mom, dad, and brother who always believed in me and were always there for me! My sister, who is one of the most focused person I have ever known, and who had the love in her heart to forgive me for leading her into a life of crime and prostitution. And most importantly, my husband, who is brave enough to serve his country in combat over and over again and can still some how find it in him to love a woman who was not worthy of his love, or as sis says, it's hard to love a whore, but he does!!!

 

My father was stationed at Edwards AFB from 64-71. Most of the kid's I went to school with, their fathers were test pilots for the SR-71, XB-70, U-2 and whatever else was new and dangerous. Chuck Yeager was the base commander. Life for a twelve to eighteen year old kid living in a desert 40 miles from any sucky broken down town was mostly the shits, but I look back at a time that I didn't understand and realize there was a lot of aerospace history and the space program happening outside my front door. And Pancho Barnes, the lady test pilot from the 30s and 40s was still alive and living in Boron.

 

I had a friend who I met in hospital, I was petrified of dying and she helped me through it, we went through rehabilitation together and continued our friendship once we got out. We drifted apart but kept in touch and she did such amazing things with equality movements and the LGBT community, however she succumbed to her demons. I miss her everyday but she did more in her time alive then I could ever do but I will push to do what I can and never forget her.

 

Tom Crean, Antarctic expeditions. Saved lives and survived conditions not many could endure. A real legend who was humble.

Returned to Ireland and opened a pub in rural Kerry called South Pole Inn (great sense of humour). Didn't talk about his adventures and expeditions with famous names where many died.

So next time your barman serves you a pint of the black stuff, you could be in the presence of a real life humble hero.

 

My mom. She was a kind person with a great sense of humor. She would give you the shirt off her back if you were in need. I remember her giving a Christmas tree to a co-worker who I know she didn't particularly like, but because this person had kids she gave her our spare tree. She definitely had a soft spot for little kids. She was the oldest of 9 and was treated very differently by her dad than the rest of the kids were. I think that's why she tried so hard to treat my siblings and me the same. It didn't always work that way, but I know she tried her hardest.

 

Obviously, my mom and dad - dad was a medic in both WWII and Korea - and never talked about it. He taught me to root for the correct things in America - especially when the 1960s civil rights atrocities were on TV. He said of the cops bullying and hosing down the black people that they should "Have their badges taken away." He also said they should have given Jack Ruby a medal... meh.

My mom raised eight children, and wonderfully so. She was a quiet, religious woman whose children grew up productive and thoughtful about what's right and wrong. She should be proud.

 

My grandfather and an old family friend. They've both departed, but both guys taught me so much about life, leadership, relationships and adversity.

 

willie