Ralph Zuranski:
What is your definition of heroism?
Bob Silber:
Heroes to me, are the ordinary men, women and younger
people that try to make the world a better place in some
way. Age or celebrity are not necessarily
characteristics of heroes. Race and creed are definitely
not characteristics. The true test for a hero how they
treat others who can do nothing for them.
Ralph Zuranski:
How do people become heroes?
Bob Silber:
When unselfishly, you have positively touched another's
life. Doing something for others, for someone who can
never repay you, now that is a characteristic of a hero.
Most of the time, those acts of heroism are only known
to the hero and the recipient.
Ralph Zuranski:
Where are heroes located?
Bob Silber:
Heroes can be anywhere. The workplace, schools, or the
community. If you leave the comfort of your house today
you will see them just walking down the street.
Ralph Zuranski:
How do you recognize those heroes you see.
Bob Silber:
Too often you don't. Heroes come in all ages, sexes,
shapes and sizes. Heroes don't act because of
recognition or rewards. Heroes act because it is in the
makeup of their soul, their hearts. They are the true
unsung heroes of the world.
Ralph Zuranski:
How are you making the world a better place?
Bob Silber:
I try to give back, on a daily basis, for the blessings
in my life. Beyond that, I also consciously try to put a
smile on the faces of everyone that I can. You can do
that with little acts of kindness. A simple thing like
taking the time to recognize the other person you come
in contact with has feelings too.
Ralph Zuranski:
Do you have the courage to pursue new ideas?
Bob Silber:
To a fault. I pursue new ideas routinely, taking risks
when a more prudent action would dictate otherwise.
Ralph Zuranski:
Are you an optimist?
Bob Silber:
Yes.
Ralph Zuranski:
Do you take a positive view of setbacks, misfortunes and
mistakes?
Bob Silber:
I do. I treat setbacks, misfortunes and mistakes as a
learning experience.
Ralph Zuranski:
What is your perspective on goodness, ethics and moral
behavior?
Bob Silber:
I believe in the karmic action of the universe, as
practiced in Hinduism & Buddhism. The total effect of a
person's actions and conduct during the successive
phases of the person's existence, regarded as
determining the person's destiny. In our religions it is
the do unto others philosophy as you would have them do
unto you.
Ralph Zuranski:
Do you have a dream or vision that sets the course of
your life?
Bob Silber:
I was lucky enough to realize my dreams. First by
police work and then law school. My course in life is to
do the things in life that I enjoy as long as it doesn't
harm others.
Ralph Zuranski:
Were you willing to experience discomfort in the pursuit
of your dream?
Bob Silber:
My personal dream was to be in law enforcement and then
to be a lawyer. Both were difficult goals.
Ralph Zuranski:
Did you believe your dreams would eventually become
reality?
Bob Silber:
Yes, as long as I actively pursued those dreams and did
what was required of me, no matter how difficult.
Ralph Zuranski:
How were you able to overcome your doubts and fears?
Bob Silber:
Knowing I could start over if the worst happened.
Failure can be a learning experience if you choose to
make it so.
Ralph Zuranski:
Do you experience service to others as a source of joy?
Bob Silber:
It is. You come to realize that true joy, is giving back
to others, whenever you can and in whatever way you are
able.
Ralph Zuranski:
Do you maintain your sense of humor in the face of
serious problems?
Bob Silber:
Always. If you can laugh about things, you will find it
is a great equalizer.
Ralph Zuranski:
Why are HEROES so important in the lives of young
people?
Bob Silber:
Heroes are important in the lives of all of us.
Ralph Zuranski:
What are the things parents can do that will help their
children realize they too can be HEROES and make a
positive impact on the lives of others?
Bob Silber:
Be a positive role model, that is most important. Teach
as We all learn from those around us. We all make poor
choices at times but break the cycle (abuse, alcohol,
drugs) and realize that there but for the grace of god
go I.
Ralph Zuranski:
Do you have any closing thoughts?
Bob Silber:
One of my favorite quotes is by --Martin Luther King
Jr.-- He said it eloquently
If a man is called to be a street sweeper, he should
sweep streets even as Michelangelo painted, or Beethoven
played music, or Shakespeare wrote poetry. He should
sweep streets so well that all the hosts of heaven and
earth will pause to say, here lived a great street
sweeper who did his job well.
I love those thoughts. You can apply that to anything.
Apply it to being a hero to others in your everyday
life.
when you see someone in trouble, in pain, in difficulty,
remember that they are brothers and sisters whose
burdens are also ours to bear. Each one of us has the
power to make the world a better place. Thank you Ralph.
