Zeno Franco : Sometimes we pick heroes who , like Armstrong , transcend physical limitations . But heroism a paradox : It 's private , but it acquires the heroic label as a public activity , he argues . What 's behind the Armstrong headlines ? At the same time humans hunger for heroic acts of bravery , while negating real heroism . Franco : If we believe in Armstrong 's fall as equalizing , we let ourselves off the hook for heroism .
Zeno Franco : Sometimes we pick heroes who , like Armstrong , transcend physical limitations . But heroism a paradox : It 's private , but it acquires the heroic label as a public activity , he argues . At the same time humans hunger for heroic acts of bravery , while negating real heroism . Franco : If we believe in Armstrong 's fall as equalizing , we let ourselves off the hook for heroism .