Document Type
Article
Abstract
This article pays tribute to the life and legacy of Philip Zimbardo, emphasizing his transformative influence in Hungary through education, social engagement, and the science of heroism. The journey began with a 2012 invitation that brought Zimbardo to Budapest, ultimately leading to the foundation of the Heroes’ Square (Hősök Tere) initiative. His message—that heroism is not reserved for the exceptional but is accessible and teachable—became the core of nationwide programs focused on mindset, intervention behavior, and social responsibility. Zimbardo’s influence went beyond academia; he inspired personal and institutional change. The foundation’s programs, such as teacher trainings, the Hero School, and the EcoHero initiative, aim to foster courage, empathy, and active citizenship. Real-world stories, including a whistleblower's intervention in a child abuse case, illustrate the far-reaching impact of these teachings. Blending social psychology with practical action, the article highlights how Zimbardo’s legacy continues to shape education, communities, and public discourse in Hungary. His work demonstrates that even small steps can lead to powerful change—and that heroism is not an act of the few, but a potential in all of us.
DOI
10.26736/hs.2025.01.03
Recommended Citation
Orosz, Györgyi
(2025)
"“Try, Start, Do it”: Phil Zimbardo and the Heroes’ Square Foundation,"
Heroism Science: Vol. 10:
Iss.
1, Article 3.
DOI: 10.26736/hs.2025.01.03
Available at:
https://scholarship.richmond.edu/heroism-science/vol10/iss1/3
Included in
Community Psychology Commons, Leadership Studies Commons, Nonprofit Studies Commons, Organization Development Commons, Social Justice Commons, Social Psychology Commons