Spider-Man's probably my favorite. You see, Batman is a

"Spider-Man's probably my favorite. You see, Batman is a billionaire and there's nothing really cool about a billionaire saving the world. But Spider-Man is Peter Parker, a conflicted character who puts on a suit and saves the world. I love that." These words from Zac Efron capture the essence of why Spider-Man is such a beloved character—because he embodies the everyman, the humble hero who is not born into privilege but faces the struggles and conflicts that come with human vulnerability. In this reflection, Efron speaks to something deeper than just a comic book character. He speaks to the human condition, to the inner battle between our desires and our duties, and to the power of choice even in the face of adversity.

In the ancient world, heroes like Heracles and Achilles were seen as larger-than-life figures. They were born of gods, born with gifts and powers that seemed to elevate them beyond mere mortals. But it is the tragic heroes, the ones who are conflicted, who wrestle with their humanity, that truly resonate with the soul. Oedipus, for example, though a king, was undone by his own choices, his own struggle with fate, and his own ignorance. He was not a hero blessed with perfect attributes, but one who acted with flawed intentions and paid the price. The essence of these stories is not the perfect hero but the flawed one who learns and grows through suffering, who ultimately saves themselves through their own choices. In many ways, Spider-Man, like these ancient figures, embodies the essence of human complexity.

Peter Parker, the alter ego of Spider-Man, is not a billionaire with endless resources, but a teenager facing the daily struggles of life—school, family, relationships, and, of course, great responsibility. Unlike Batman, whose wealth and power give him an edge, Spider-Man’s power lies in his humanity—his ability to grapple with self-doubt, conflict, and loss, while still choosing to do what is right. This makes Spider-Man more relatable to the everyday person. Just as Socrates taught that virtue lies not in the external but in the inner workings of the soul, Spider-Man’s heroism is not a product of external wealth or power but of his internal struggle and moral choices.

Consider the ancient warriors, like King David of Israel, who was not born a king but rose to greatness through his courage and faith, despite his humble beginnings. David’s victory over Goliath was not a result of physical superiority, but of his faith, his will to protect his people, and his ability to overcome his fears. Like David, Peter Parker’s journey is not one of superhuman feats but of personal growth, of embracing responsibility even when it means great sacrifice. Spider-Man does not merely defeat villains; he defeats his own demons, and in doing so, he becomes a true hero. His struggles and self-doubt make him someone we can all relate to—a hero not because of his powers, but because of his choices.

It is through these inner battles that the true nature of heroism is revealed. The world is often enamored with wealth and power, much like the Romans admired figures like Julius Caesar, whose greatness seemed to come from his position and power. But true greatness, as the ancients knew, lies not in privilege, but in the struggle to rise above one’s circumstances and to choose the path of virtue and integrity. This is where Spider-Man triumphs over characters like Batman—his heroism is earned, not handed to him by birthright. It is in the wrestling with his own soul that Peter Parker becomes not just a hero, but a symbol of what it means to choose goodness even when it is difficult.

The lesson here is clear: true heroism lies not in power, wealth, or privilege, but in character, choice, and sacrifice. The greatest heroes are those who, like Spider-Man, choose to act in service of others, even when it requires personal struggle and sacrifice. It is through our daily choices, the small decisions to do what is right in the face of adversity, that we shape our character and our legacy. As Plato taught, the unexamined life is not worth living; the true hero is the one who examines their own soul and makes the conscious choice to act with virtue and honor.

In practical terms, this means that we should strive to live with integrity, regardless of the challenges we face. Just as Spider-Man chooses to act despite his conflicts, so too should we choose to stand up for what is right, even when it’s not easy or when the world around us seems to be against us. Every day presents an opportunity to make a choice that aligns with our highest values, and it is through these choices that we create our own legacy as individuals and as a society. Let us embrace our struggles, make the right choices, and rise above the limitations of wealth and status, just as the greatest heroes in history have done before us.