I just wanted to say how much I appreciated this reflection on Superman. As a first responder, the idea of answering a call — whether it’s a siren in the night or a deeper call to service — runs through my veins. Your piece reminded me why characters like Superman matter, not just to kids, but to those of us out there trying to live up to something larger than ourselves.
What resonated most was how you described his balance of strength and humility. That mix is rare — and necessary. In the field, we see that vulnerability doesn’t make you weak; it keeps you human. And like Superman, we don’t get to choose where we’re needed — we just show up, again and again, hoping to do right by the people we serve.
Thanks for reminding us that heroism isn’t about being invincible — it’s about being available, grounded, and guided by a strong moral compass. We could all use more of that.
“Thank you. I really appreciate that. But honestly, it doesn’t feel selfless to me—it feels like connection. I think it’s in all of us. I’m just really grateful I get to be part of it.
I would add Wonder Woman to the list of inspiring super heroes. She shares many of the traits of Super Man - manifested in ways that make sense to young women. I loved it when she appeared on the scene!
I love your ideas but I would playfully argue that Batman overcame childhood trauma, which is incredible (could have gone a very different direction), fulfilled a positive legacy, and invested finances intelligently into technology to create his superhero life.
Choosing to be great is its own amazing talent, rather than just having inherited talents.
I would also argue something similar for iron man.
Oh, I just realized why I love Superman so much. It's the same feeling I get hearing about Mexican firefighters coming to Texas, and American firefighters going to help in Canada. It's because they are helping people who are different from themselves. They go out of their way, leave their home, help people who aren't like them, who might even have animosity against them, in order to make things better. Unselfish people/superhero and acts in a world that asks "why bother" or "what's in it for me." It's beautiful.
Thank you for that! I’ve always thought that superman was inspiring not just because of his powers and heroic acts, but also that he chose to be Good despite being an orphan, and never having experienced his own culture (except through tech wizardry etc). That’s a pretty big Adverse Childhood Experience to deal with. He is incredibly resilient and laser focused on the well being of others and also finds Love.
I agree. Superman is the greatest superhero. I always wanted to be like him and live up to his standards. As you note, that is very difficult if not impossible. Still it is good to have one symbol of the qualities to which I hope we would all aspire. We need Superman, never more than now. And I’m glad to hear the new movie has humor. Being good and kind and helping people is a fun thing.
When I saw the title of your post, I thought it was going to be somewhat superficial. Having read it, I appreciate how wrong I was. These insights are so important. And I'm glad Superman still exists. Thanks for tying everything together so well.
This was a great post. I love Adam Grant. And I love reading all the comments. It definitely made me send a text to my 20 year-old son asking if he would go see this movie with me tonight.
Thank you for this post! I was feeling much of what you shared, however, I just saw the movie yesterday and you showed up with this post. Wonderful post about much of what I felt. I left the theater with a smile and much to think (and feel) about. Thanks, again! We need this movie now for so many reasons.
Loved this! I’ve read (and am still reading!) your books, but this might be one of my favourite takes yet. I’ve always leaned towards Superman too — not just because he saves the world, but because he cares about it. Plus, I can at least try to be like him by wearing my underwear outside my trousers. When I got bitten by spiders, I didn’t get powers — just an itchy leg and mild regret.
Thanks for reminding us that the greatest strength isn’t flight or laser eyes — it’s humility, purpose, and doing the right thing (even off duty).
great piece. i'd argue the whole secret identity is in contrast to an otherwise unshakable moral compass. i put WW ahead of him and possibly Captain America, who has the most straight moral compass of all super heroes. i agree that being a hero, super or otherwise, is not about being invincible but rather being available to heed the call.
Subject: A First Responder’s Take on Superman
I just wanted to say how much I appreciated this reflection on Superman. As a first responder, the idea of answering a call — whether it’s a siren in the night or a deeper call to service — runs through my veins. Your piece reminded me why characters like Superman matter, not just to kids, but to those of us out there trying to live up to something larger than ourselves.
What resonated most was how you described his balance of strength and humility. That mix is rare — and necessary. In the field, we see that vulnerability doesn’t make you weak; it keeps you human. And like Superman, we don’t get to choose where we’re needed — we just show up, again and again, hoping to do right by the people we serve.
Thanks for reminding us that heroism isn’t about being invincible — it’s about being available, grounded, and guided by a strong moral compass. We could all use more of that.
Keep writing. The world needs it.
— A Grateful Reader in the Arena
Thanks for your selfless service each time you answered call!
“Thank you. I really appreciate that. But honestly, it doesn’t feel selfless to me—it feels like connection. I think it’s in all of us. I’m just really grateful I get to be part of it.
This is beautiful! Thank you for all you do... and for reminding us of who the real "superheroes who walk among us" are!
Thank you so much. That means a lot. I’m just doing my part—but I’m surrounded by everyday heroes who inspire me, too.
I would add Wonder Woman to the list of inspiring super heroes. She shares many of the traits of Super Man - manifested in ways that make sense to young women. I loved it when she appeared on the scene!
I love your ideas but I would playfully argue that Batman overcame childhood trauma, which is incredible (could have gone a very different direction), fulfilled a positive legacy, and invested finances intelligently into technology to create his superhero life.
Choosing to be great is its own amazing talent, rather than just having inherited talents.
I would also argue something similar for iron man.
You rock!
Katherine!! YES!!! I'm with you!!
The Hero vs Villain mindset!
Batman took his trauma and decided not to perpetuate what the world had handed him...that's a hero right there. Iron Man too.
Oh, I just realized why I love Superman so much. It's the same feeling I get hearing about Mexican firefighters coming to Texas, and American firefighters going to help in Canada. It's because they are helping people who are different from themselves. They go out of their way, leave their home, help people who aren't like them, who might even have animosity against them, in order to make things better. Unselfish people/superhero and acts in a world that asks "why bother" or "what's in it for me." It's beautiful.
Thank you for that! I’ve always thought that superman was inspiring not just because of his powers and heroic acts, but also that he chose to be Good despite being an orphan, and never having experienced his own culture (except through tech wizardry etc). That’s a pretty big Adverse Childhood Experience to deal with. He is incredibly resilient and laser focused on the well being of others and also finds Love.
Finding love is such an important point to me.
I agree. Superman is the greatest superhero. I always wanted to be like him and live up to his standards. As you note, that is very difficult if not impossible. Still it is good to have one symbol of the qualities to which I hope we would all aspire. We need Superman, never more than now. And I’m glad to hear the new movie has humor. Being good and kind and helping people is a fun thing.
I’m a lifelong fan of Superman. At age 79, I own and wear a Superman tee shirt. The idea of Superman has always encouraged me to be more.
I love this post about Superman’s qualities and weaknesses! I agree that he’s the best Superhero model in many ways.
When I saw the title of your post, I thought it was going to be somewhat superficial. Having read it, I appreciate how wrong I was. These insights are so important. And I'm glad Superman still exists. Thanks for tying everything together so well.
This was a great post. I love Adam Grant. And I love reading all the comments. It definitely made me send a text to my 20 year-old son asking if he would go see this movie with me tonight.
I didn’t want to see the movie, now I want . Great post
Delightful article. Enjoyed it a lot. I credit superman comic books for turning me into a young reader.
Thank you for this post! I was feeling much of what you shared, however, I just saw the movie yesterday and you showed up with this post. Wonderful post about much of what I felt. I left the theater with a smile and much to think (and feel) about. Thanks, again! We need this movie now for so many reasons.
What a inspiring article, Adam! I really enjoyed reading your insights. Thank you for taking the time to reflect, write, and share this with us.
Loved this! I’ve read (and am still reading!) your books, but this might be one of my favourite takes yet. I’ve always leaned towards Superman too — not just because he saves the world, but because he cares about it. Plus, I can at least try to be like him by wearing my underwear outside my trousers. When I got bitten by spiders, I didn’t get powers — just an itchy leg and mild regret.
Thanks for reminding us that the greatest strength isn’t flight or laser eyes — it’s humility, purpose, and doing the right thing (even off duty).
great piece. i'd argue the whole secret identity is in contrast to an otherwise unshakable moral compass. i put WW ahead of him and possibly Captain America, who has the most straight moral compass of all super heroes. i agree that being a hero, super or otherwise, is not about being invincible but rather being available to heed the call.