A Super Hero Type Question
Lets say that you're a super hero and there's a missile/s flying toward a school/hospital and at best you can only clear half the building before it gets obliterated. You could fly into the missile/s, sacrificing your own life and save everyone. Would you do it?
I was thinking about this earlier while watching Justice League and obviously you think 'Yeah of course' but I was thinking - What if you would be better off alive? Say that in a year of being alive you'd save more than you would by sacrificing yourself in this scenario, then technically you'd be doing the Earth a misservice by ending your life in exchange for the people you'd be saving.
Consider you save half the people and then live another ten years, saving over ten times the amount you would have saved, then that would be far better, but would people think so? You'd most likely be considered a coward, I know that if someone could have saved a loved one of mine and didn't I would probably hate them unconditionally. You've also got to consider if you could live with yourself, would those people you didn't save haunt you? Even though you're doing good everyday?
Im tempted to think that despite the reasoning, sacrifice maybe the better option. You go out in a blaze of glory, if there is any kind of positive after life then that's surely going to ensure you're a part of it, people would remember you, tell tales of you, hell, they'd probably erect a statue in your honour. And your legacy could inspire generations to come.
What would you do? End your life a legend or live a hero. I suppose it comes down to wether your ruled by your mind or by your heart.
I was thinking about this earlier while watching Justice League and obviously you think 'Yeah of course' but I was thinking - What if you would be better off alive? Say that in a year of being alive you'd save more than you would by sacrificing yourself in this scenario, then technically you'd be doing the Earth a misservice by ending your life in exchange for the people you'd be saving.
Consider you save half the people and then live another ten years, saving over ten times the amount you would have saved, then that would be far better, but would people think so? You'd most likely be considered a coward, I know that if someone could have saved a loved one of mine and didn't I would probably hate them unconditionally. You've also got to consider if you could live with yourself, would those people you didn't save haunt you? Even though you're doing good everyday?
Im tempted to think that despite the reasoning, sacrifice maybe the better option. You go out in a blaze of glory, if there is any kind of positive after life then that's surely going to ensure you're a part of it, people would remember you, tell tales of you, hell, they'd probably erect a statue in your honour. And your legacy could inspire generations to come.
What would you do? End your life a legend or live a hero. I suppose it comes down to wether your ruled by your mind or by your heart.
He must be a real shit super hero who can only clear half the building before it gets obliterated. Who is it Notallthatsuperman?
Posted by Anonymous | 11:33 AM
Yes, what if was a hospital for 'bastards' or a nursing home for 'retired sex offenders'.
I would spend my superpowers undressing women I fancy and stealing lots of cash.
Posted by Anonymous | 12:39 AM
Razz - Well, the specifics of the emergency aren't really fundamental but heros to which this scenario could be applicable, erm... Batman, Hawkman, Mr.Miracle, Adam Strange - to name just a few.
Rant - Good point, are some people more worthy of your help than others?
Ha! Excellent use of your powers!
Posted by The Wanted Man | 3:08 AM
Sometimes you just gotta let a few go. It's for the greater good. Sure, the Planet or the Bugle will take a few postshots, and you may need to lay low for a while, but before long you'll be back in the public's good books.
Posted by * (asterisk) | 1:20 AM
Good point, the public do have short memories and if fate gives you powers it's your responsibilty to use them as effectively as possible.
Posted by The Wanted Man | 3:09 AM