George Bailey: A Hero’s Wonderful Life

Oops!  We had to remove the hero profile you’re looking for because it will soon appear in our new book Heroic Leadership: An Influence Taxonomy of 100 Exceptional Individuals, to be published by Routledge in 2013.

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— Scott Allison and George Goethals

9 thoughts on “George Bailey: A Hero’s Wonderful Life

  1. What a classic movie. 😀 And it’s not just about a hero and the collective heroism of a community– it’s also about a redeemed hero: Clarence. There’s a lot going on this story, both conceptually and creatively. It’s one of the most anti-cynical stories ever told.

    Probably couldn’t get made today….

  2. You’re right about Clarence. Our mistake for not mentioning his story of redemption. It would seem that almost everyone George Bailey touched was able to redeem him or herself (e.g., Violet, Clarence, Mr. Gower, & Uncle Billy).

    And you’re also right about the movie’s anti-cynicism. In today’s highly cynical world, this film is a breath of fresh air.

  3. What a great post! Like others, it’s more a proof of your intelligence and your good heart.
    Every single post that I read is like something more. It’s a new lesson of life.
    Some ones can think: How could a fictional hero make you think better in life?
    That’s simple. The most part of the world likes of some fictional hero. Spider Man, Superman, in my case, The Powerpuff Girls (haha).
    So if get a chance to take something good that this character learn. You’ll make their existence more real.
    Not real like ” Ow I’m going to hang out with Clark Kent”. No, it’s just you’ll make their lesson true for life.
    I don’t know if you understood. I’m not good in explanations.
    But, after all, I liked this post just like I loved the others.
    It’s probably because you know how write. How make your reader see what you are explaining.

    So… thanks for this post and your support too.
    Fabiola Garcia.

  4. George Bailey is definitely a true hero in my book. His genuine care for others and willingness to help everyone makes him a hero. His story also proves that sometimes heroes need saving as well.

  5. George Bailey is my favorite fictional character of all time. His determination, hard work, and optimism are inspiring. He always worked hard for the betterment of his family and friends. His journey is aided by supernatural help, as is outlined in Joseph Campbell’s hero’s journey.

  6. The story in “It’s a Wonderful Life” is entertaining and inspiring. George Bailey is a great man, and often puts others before himself. He teaches us that even heroes can become down and have difficulty believing in themselves, and sometimes need to be lifted up themselves.

  7. This is a classic movie that everyone should watch. After reading this blog i recently sat down and re-watched it because it reminded me of how entertaining and inspiring the film is. George Bailey is a great man, and always puts others before himself. We can learn many lessons from him including that heroes can loose confidence and have difficulty believing in themselves, and all we need sometimes is to be lifted up and encouraged. Heroes need “heroes” as well.

  8. The movie “Its a Wonderful Life” is a movie that I have seen many times. I have sometimes thought about what life would be like if I had never been born. We often are unaware just how much our lives truly touch others, even when we don’t see any way that they could. George Bailey did so many wonderful things for the people around him and never got anything in return. He felt as though his life were a mistake, until he truly saw how different things would have been if it hadn’t been for his heroic acts. I think it would be beneficial for everyone to see how much they impact those around them. It would help people to live better lives and inspire them to be heroes as well.

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