I recently read this article which reviewed several studies on what makes humans want to take heroic action and if we are hardwired for it. It was an interesting article based on several different experiments. Basically, scientists came up with a few ideas hypothesising that, doing something charitable, "provides an intrinsic reward that is neurologically similar to ingesting an addictive drug", giving people a "high on being heroic" and that being compassionate or heroic can be likened to a muscle that you can condition by certain practices.
...Blah blah blah....For those of us who have served, we can offer a different perspective on this topic. In my experience, what makes a soldier take heroic action in combat is LOVE. Its the love for his brother in arms, a bond which is incredible strong. I would die for any of my brothers that I served with and know that they would do the same for me. Its not that anyone wants to be a hero, they just want their brother next to them to make it home.
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