The Hero Myth

Why do we always look for someone to lead? One of the reasons Extinction Rebellion has not grown in influence as quickly as many expected, is because it refused to appoint ‘one’ above the rest. It has a maturity ahead of its time.

Heroes have traditionally been there to lead us to the right answer – and so we follow them. But in a world with few certainties the best way is to build the answer, not pick it off a shelf. To be clear, with complex problems there is no one way forward. And so lots of people of different types need to collaborate to build unique answers to unique problems. The space ‘in between people’* is where the creative solutions will emerge - following the existing protocols cannot imagine the unimaginable. Government needs to open up a dialogue to bring in those voices – to harness ideas and quickly act upon them. That voice is you.

So talk to your friends and colleagues (remotely) and start sending your ideas to your MP, your local council, media or anyone who has power. Don’t be fooled into thinking they already have the answers.

The M People song ‘look for the hero inside yourself’ highlights how everyday small actions add up - the truth is we all need to get involved and contribute to the solution.

In the short term, your voice will save lives and keep people warm and fed. In the longer term, speaking up will rebuild the new normal.

*David Holzmer

Image Porapak Apichodilok