Paul D. Hewson (Bono)

Bono

There’s common ground between everyday heroes we are always hearing about; whatever they do, wherever they come from, they are able to inspire the good in others. There’s the firefighters who rush into burning buildings to save lives, teachers who work in troubled cities with troubled youth to break a cycle of violence and poverty, and nurses and doctors whose ability to make calm from trauma decides the fate of millions of lives. We hear of the animal rights activists, the philanthropic CEOs, and the rebels, but musicians are not common to the title of “hero.” Paul Hewson, also known as "Bono", had seen it all, the poverty, the AIDS, and the destructive toll nature took on the world. And through the power of song, he was able to bring together like-minded individuals from a vast array of backgrounds to make a difference, he inspired millions to contribute to these causes, and he overcame all odds to put words into action. He was out to bring an end to the troubles of the world he lived in, and by doing so, he was a hero.

Paul Hewson (Bono) was born and raised in Dublin, Ireland. Hewson had always been attracted to music and guitar, and upon seeing a flyer posted about a new band being formed at his high school, he was keen on bringing his charm and poetic ability to the public. Drawn in by soon-to-be band mate Larry Mullen, Hewson took the opportunity to become lead singer of the band, which today is internationally renowned as U2. It didn't stop there, though. Bono continued to pursue his music career while using his fame in helping the less fortunate. He felt the need to give back to the world.

Bono in Uganda, Africa (http://www.u2station.com/images/bono_in_africa/bono_in_uganda_africa_may_27-28_2002/africa_uganda_01.jpg)

It takes a very innovative mind to create music that can find appeal internationally, but even more intellect to bring together people from all different races and cultures through the power of song, but that’s exactly what Bono did. “Despite his father's attempts to hold the family together, [following the death of his mother], Bono claims that he and Bob Hewson "didn't get on very well." As a result, father and son never enjoyed a particularly close relationship. In fact, Bono would later claim that the inarticulate Bob Hewson's unspoken message to his children was "to dream is to be disappointed." The singer has often cited this as a key reason for his forming such big ambitions and becoming even more determined to follow his dreams.” (Fry) Rising from unfortunate circumstances, Bono was able to put aside the unsettling words of his father and rise up to international fame. His ambitions not only to create a name for himself, but also to bring the less fortunate into the spotlight were realized through years of putting mind to paper through awe-inspiring songs that rocked the world. “At Mount Temple, Bono described himself as being ‘a bit wide-awake, a bit bright, a bit experimental.’” (Fry) Bono’s clever ability to spin poetry into a bold new genre of music took hold of every facet of his character. Later in life, these traits would prove instrumental in shaping many of his philanthropic efforts. There are millions of geniuses in the world whose talent continues to shape the world in which we live, and Bono is among these, for rising up from an unlikely background and using his talents to captivate the world.

Paul Hewson (Bono) (http://newparadigmdigest.com/wp-content/uploads/2008/10/bono-original.jpg)

It’s one thing to have genius and the ability to bring people together, but to inspire them is outright heroic. “Bono’s work as an activist, due largely to his Christian beliefs, began in earnest when, inspired by Live Aid, he traveled to Ethiopia to work in a feeding camp with his wife Ali and the charity World Vision.” (Fry) Being inspired by God and by the work in Ethiopia, Bono sparked a lifelong interest in philanthropy which stretched throughout the globe. His work continues to inspire millions to give to the less fortunate and get the feeling of doing good in the world. In an article by a celebrity philanthropy organization, Look to the Stars, Bono was described as “the Irish frontman of U2 knowing no limitations when it came to fighting poverty and hunger” and a figure who is “constantly in direct contact with world leaders and policy makers in his quest to make the world a better place.” (“Bono's Charity Work, Events and Causes”) Not only did he use his title to fight the troubles of modern-day, but he also inspired world leaders to make changes and made tomorrow a better day. Influence guided everyone from his fans to prominent world policy-makers to join in to fight disease and rebuild broken families and homes. Selfless and tireless efforts to change the world have brought him, as well as his fans, to the front lines of conflict as they volunteer money and time in disaster-struck regions of the world.

A flyer on a bulletin board on that fateful day in 1976 brought Bono international fame. Fame lead to prominence and prominence led to realization of a greater calling than money or glory, and that was to help his fellow man. Bono had all the characteristics of a hero, someone who could change the world with his intelligence, his determination, and his ability to inspire people to make a difference. He never asked for money or glory, and when it came to him, he directed it to the causes he loved so dearly, and continues to do this, till today. His life is summed eternally into the words of his song, “Summer Rain”, “It's not why you're running; It's where you're going; It's not what you're dreaming; But what you're gonna do; It's not where you're born; It's where you belong; It's not how weak; But what will make you strong”. His life is a life of virtue, compassion, and love for fellow mankind, and Bono is and will always be, for this, a hero.