We all throw around the words “hero” and “heroism” too readily, and it cheapens the real thing, which is rare, and awe-inspiring. Teachers are heroes, cancer patients are heroes, mothers and dads are heroes, legislators who ignore polls are heroes, quarterbacks are heroes. There is much heroism around us, certainly—those who do vital jobs and make courageous choices at personal sacrifice deserve praise and recognition, as do those who overcome tremendous personal challenges. We should appreciate these acts when we see them.
Still, this leaves us unable to muster the words to distinguish the rarest and most remarkable of heroes, like the fifty Japanese nuclear technicians who have remained behind to try to prevent a nuclear catastrophe at the Fukushima Dai-ichi nuclear plant damaged by Friday’s earthquake. They are not merely risking their lives, but quite probably trading them, for the well-being of their country and its citizens.
We should all aspire to such courage, selflessness, and character.
In the pantheon of ethical conduct, the Fukushima Fifty deserve the most honored place of all.
Ethics Alarms 
Compare these technicians with the guy who encouraged suicide. I was in a foul mood after I read about him.
Then I read about those Japanese technicians, and it lifted my heart. Thank you, JM, thank you.
Why do I feel tears in my eyes?
Me too.
“In the pantheon of ethical conduct, the Fukushima Fifty deserve the most honored place of all.” Yes. And thank you to the Fukushima Fifty for your sacrifice.
Great article, wonderful point. These technicians truly are a cut above the rest.
Bravo Jack!
The article warmed my heart tremendously, then I saw the various online comments trying to score political cheap-points and I figuratively died again. What sort of world do we live in indeed?
May not be just 50. May be more.
…and I’d bet life-changing money that if you talk to any of them–ANY of them–they’d deny being any kind of hero and just say something to the effect of “it had to be done” or “it was the right thing to do.”
–Dwayne