The Masked Man Hunter, Batsy, World’s Greatest Detective, The Dark Knight. Ever since his first appearance in the 30s, he has been intertwined in the fabric of America. People from every generation have been enamored with him. Of all the super heroes, he is the most like us. We can live vicariously through him, mortality and all. No, he doesn’t shoot lasers out his eyes. He can’t outrun a train or lift 10 million tons. What makes him so unique is that, more so than any other hero, he is not super. He is believable. He gets by being a master of himself. Despite this, it is his ability to confront his fears and use it to propel him instead of him being paralyzed by it, this gives him the wherewithal to confront the evil powers that be. You see, Batman, while a great hero–and comic book, is, in my opinion, the fictional embodiment of personal growth: Facing your demons, leaving the comforts of what’s familiar to understand yourself, becoming something bigger to leave an impact, and, more importantly, serving others.

One can find the blue print to growth by reading about the Caped Crusader.

We all have things that have happened to us. The reality is that, even if seemingly bad, it’s apart of life. Nobody on God’s green earth is exempt from problems. Unfortunately, it seems so taboo to confront them, especially in a society that seems so complacent with running away from them. Before any personal growth can happen, a person has no choice but to confront whatever it is holding them back. For some of you reading this, it may not be as painful as losing both parents to murder, but, whatever it is, if it causes you to cower and remain stagnant, it’s holding you down. Address it. Running away from it and dodging it at every turn will only impede the growth process. One of the greatest triumphs for an individual is when they come to a place where they understand themselves– completely. Instead of mastering others, they realize that mastery of themselves is more important. They are aware of themselves and know what they can become and what they currently are. It is sad to see the masses of people who are lost, but don’t care enough to grow. There is a crippling fear, so it seems, having to leave what’s familiar to rise and become better. Sometimes it’s necessary and imperative to leave certain people, objects, and habits alone so that you have what it takes to grow into something greater. There is a scene in Batman Begins that epitomizes this concept. Batman has confronted his demons, and the billionaire is now alone trying to find out what he is. Before growth of any kind, there is self realization, no ifs, ands or buts about it.

What impact do you want to leave? Can you really call living life only for yourself living? On the contrary, that is just existing. It is often said that a man who does not stand for something falls for anything If you are familiar with Batman, you understand what the insignia on his chest means to the dwellers in Gotham City. To the bad, it is unapologetic justice with no impunity. To the citizens–it is hope. The lone strobe light juxtaposed against the night sky and the pale moon tell the story of Batman. Simply put, it is light piercing through darkness. It is the classic case of good vs evil. The symbol that burns the night is bigger than Bruce Wayne, though it was birthed from him. The symbol is the manifestation of what is inside him–justice. What do you have dormant in you that needs to be FedEx kinkoed blown up? What legacy are you leaving behind? Is it a concept bigger than you that others can get strength and hope from, perhaps even taking it a step further. Recently, I was surprised to know that Batman spawned off others from him. Most notably Batwing, another Batman who takes the good fight to Africa. That’s not to say that we should even forget the impact he’s had on the number of Robins he disciples, carrying on the same passion to administer justice. The bat symbol, from continent to continent–Gotham to Africa. That’s impact.

Service, a word frowned upon today. Instead of what can I do for others, the mantra of what can I do for myself seems more appropriate. A person can really find out a lot about themselves when reflection takes place in the service of others. How many times have you seen,

especially in comic books, Batman pushed through insurmountable odds in the service of others. During this time he learns things about himself. He taps into abilities that he didn’t know he himself had. Thus is life. When you help others, in many ways, you help yourself. Personal growth is intrinsically wrapped up inside what you do for others. Even in a dystopia, being a hero has its perks—the knowledge of self.

As crazy as it may sound, the story of Batman is also a blueprint to personal growth and self discovery. Next time you watch a Batman flick or pick up a comic book, look deeper than the pages.

Copyright © 2011 Jeremy Russell