We often think of change as the work of heroes — individuals with extraordinary courage or talent who rise up to save the day. But what if we’ve been thinking about change all wrong? What if that’s not the true narrative?
I recently watched a TED Talk by David LaMotte titled “Why Heroes Don’t Change the World,” and I’ve been reflecting on it since. In his talk, David challenges the idea that large-scale change is brought about by individual heroes. Instead, he argues that true change happens within movements, in community, through the actions of many.
It’s not naive to think we can change the world; what’s naive is to think we could exist in the world without changing it. The real question is how we choose to influence that change—and the answer, as David explains, lies in community. It’s the small, seemingly ordinary contributions that add up to make the extraordinary possible.
David LaMotte’s perspective is one of hope and empowerment, but it’s also a reminder of our collective responsibility. We all have a role to play, and it’s not about being a hero—it’s about showing up with others, making space for change, and taking action together.
I highly recommend giving this talk a watch. It might just shift the way you think about your own impact, and the power we have when we work together.
Smuggling Grace 