How to Use Your Powers for the Benefit of Mankind and Not Its Destruction

Heroes are made by their ideals, not their powers.

From the noble Superman to the wise and thoughtful Professor X, superhero ideologies have influenced fans and created their own niche in modern philosophical thought. Few influences have helped develop the image of the hero as thoroughly as the vision of the Batman symbol in the night sky or the remnant of Spiderman's web dangling from a ledge. Superheroes share their successes and failures with their readers and help teach their fans how to be heroes in their own lives, using the powers they have for the good of mankind.

Instructions

1. Learn from Superman, an alien to Earth who views everyone as a part of the overall human family. Accept the differences and uniqueness of those around you as simple variations on the human theme, never allowing yourself to discriminate your help based on those differences. View human need as your justification to benefit mankind and remain blind to the differences between you and those you can help. As an example, when you decide to volunteer some of your time to help, select volunteer work aimed at areas of your community with the greatest need.

2. Be your own moral compass, as Spiderman frequently demonstrated. Do good because you believe that it is good, not as a means of earning adulation or appreciation from those you help. Remember the struggle that Spiderman regularly faced when people called him the villain and cursed him for the problems they faced and how he continued to help, not because of his need for acceptance but because it was right. For instance, look for opportunities to help those around you during your daily life, like picking up trash on the street as you walk by or anonymously donating money to people in need. Do it because you know it is right, even if no one will notice.

3. Keep your faith in the overall good of humanity, even though your faith may be tested. Consider the situation that Batman faced in "The Dark Knight" when the Joker set two ferries to be destroyed and the detonator for each in the hands of the other ferry. Demonstrate your faith, as Batman did, by never letting yourself believe in the worst of humanity. As an example, take a chance on someone in need by helping him find a job or giving him some money. Never let yourself assume that this person will not appreciate it or that he will misuse your gift.

4. Work to live up to your ideals, even when you falter or make mistakes, such as with Professor X. Let your ideals guide you, once you know that they are true and be willing to forgive your own mistakes. Remember that even Professor X has made mistakes in his life, choosing the ease of his mental powers to reach an end to conflicts that benefit his ideology. For instance, when you catch yourself yelling at a stranger on the street, force yourself to calm down, forgive yourself for your anger and then offer the stranger a real and honest apology.

References

• BBC; Teaching philosophy with Spider-Man; Katie Connolly; August 12, 2010
• Spectator; The philosophy of Superman; A.C. Grayling; July 8, 2006
• Overthinking It; The Philosophy of Batman; Mlawski; Jul 24, 2008
• IGN Comics; Xavier vs. Magneto: A Philosophical Debate; Hilary Goldstein; May 4, 2006
• "Superheroes and Philosophy: Truth, Justice and the Socratic Way"; Tom Morris; 2005