What made Wallenberg a Hero of Circumstance?
By simply glancing over a timeline of the life of this man, it is difficult not to deem him as a hero. However, for those who demand justification, here is a list of the specific traits that qualified the Swede as a hero:
- Selflessness - Wallenberg did not care about his own fate as he risked his life to save the Jews.
- Bravery - It took a significant amount of courage to pursue actions like those of Wallenberg.
- Modesty - Wallenberg never sought to be a hero. The only reason he did what he did was of pure nobleness.
- Cunning and Intelligence - The methods by which Wallenberg saved the amount of Jews that he did were often very elaborate, and required much planning.
- Righteousness - Wallenberg could not bear the fact that the Nazi regime was committing such atrocities, so he acted upon that feeling of repugnance.
Legacy
The legacies of people like Wallenberg, Schindler, Sugihara or Perlasca tend to prevail. Their actions portray the very peak of human bravery and goodness. It is difficult to name any action more noble, any action more reputable, than that of Wallenberg. The youth of modern day society should seek to achieve such rectitude. That doesn't necessarily imply risking your life daily; it is the elevated morality and righteousness that is the goal. If everyone cared as much for their fellow man as Wallenberg did, the world would be a very different place.
"His intervention gave hope to victims, encouraged them to fight and resist, to hang on and bear witness. It aroused our collective consciousness. Remembering his life should be an inspiration to others to act; for our future generations to act; for all of us to act."
Kofi A. Annan
UN Secretary General
"His intervention gave hope to victims, encouraged them to fight and resist, to hang on and bear witness. It aroused our collective consciousness. Remembering his life should be an inspiration to others to act; for our future generations to act; for all of us to act."
Kofi A. Annan
UN Secretary General