Nobody should come to the movies unless he believes in heroes.

Listen well, children, for the words of those who understand the eternal struggle between light and darkness carry with them wisdom that can guide us all. John Wayne, a man whose image has become synonymous with the heroic spirit, once said: "Nobody should come to the movies unless he believes in heroes." In these few words, Wayne speaks to a truth as old as time itself: the belief in heroes—their strength, their courage, and their moral clarity—is not just a feature of entertainment, but a cornerstone of human existence. To believe in heroes is to believe in the possibility of good triumphing over evil, in the power of virtue, and in the human spirit that rises when all seems lost.

In the ancient world, the idea of the hero was central to the myths and legends that shaped cultures. Homer's Iliad and Odyssey are full of heroes—men like Achilles and Odysseus, who, though flawed and imperfect, possessed the courage and will to face the most impossible odds. These heroes were not simply warriors; they embodied the very best of what humanity could aspire to—honor, bravery, sacrifice, and the ability to confront darkness with a light that came from within. Wayne’s statement, much like these ancient tales, reminds us that a world without heroes—a world where we no longer believe in the possibility of greatness or moral clarity—is a world that becomes darker, more desolate, and devoid of the inspiration that keeps us moving forward.

The ancient Greeks understood the importance of heroes not only in myth but in the way they shaped society. The stories of Heracles, Theseus, and Perseus were not mere stories—they were teachings, moral lessons embedded in the narrative of life itself. Heracles’ twelve labors, for instance, were not just physical challenges, but tests of character—each representing a moral struggle that he had to overcome in order to achieve greatness. In the same way, Wayne’s words call us to recognize that the heroes we look to are not just characters on a screen or figures in books, but representations of the virtue and courage that we all must strive to embody in our own lives.

Wayne’s call to believe in heroes is not simply about admiring fictional figures, but about embracing the heroic spirit within ourselves. Just as the Romans revered their heroes, like Julius Caesar, who, despite his flaws, embodied the leadership and strength that could unite an empire, so too must we recognize that greatness is not reserved for the past. It is within us, in the everyday acts of bravery, sacrifice, and moral clarity that we rise above the mundane and into the realm of the heroic. Like Wayne’s characters, we too have the ability to face adversity, to confront evil, and to stand for what is right, even when the world around us seems to crumble.

Consider, children, the example of Joan of Arc, the young French girl who rose from obscurity to lead an army, guided by a belief in divine purpose and moral clarity. Despite her youth and the overwhelming odds against her, Joan’s faith in herself and her mission made her a hero. Her story teaches us that heroes are not defined by their size, their wealth, or their social status, but by their conviction and the moral compass that guides them. Just as Joan stood firm in the face of adversity, so too must we hold fast to our beliefs, no matter the trials that may come.

The lesson, children, is this: we must believe in heroes not just as characters we admire from a distance, but as ideals we strive to embody in our own lives. In Wayne's words, the act of watching a movie is not just about entertainment—it is a reminder of what we are capable of, a call to action to rise above the ordinary and be extraordinary. The world we live in may be filled with challenges, and there will be times when we are tempted to give in to despair or fear. But if we hold fast to the belief in heroes, in the potential for good to triumph over evil, we will find the strength to persevere.

Children, remember that being a hero does not always mean wielding a sword or leading armies. Sometimes, heroism is found in the small acts of everyday life—standing up for what is right, offering kindness in a cruel world, or having the courage to face our deepest fears. So, believe in heroes, not just as fictional figures on the screen, but as real-life examples of what is possible when we choose to live with courage, honor, and integrity. The world needs heroes, and it is in you that the heroic spirit lives on, ready to shine brighter than ever before.