So this past weekend I was watching Jack*ss 2 and as Johnny Knoxville climbed on his big red rocket and proclaimed “I’m going to the moon,” before being shot into the air, I realized he’s a hero, at least to me. I was just as alarmed by my realization as I imagine some of you are, and while he certainly doesn't fit the heroic archetype Joseph Cambell details in his work The Hero with a Thousand Faces, there's certainly a case for Knoxville being a hero.

It’s said that heroes face their fears and Knoxville embodies such characteristic qualities. Take any of his stunts, from the simplistic stuff where he gets hit in the balls to the crazier things like trying to capture an anaconda in a ball pit or facing the Yak. I can keep listing off the insane things he does, but they all demonstrate the same thing: fearlessness.

Following through on these stunts, knowing they’re going to hurt, requires a lot of courage. And perhaps what’s most humbling is the fact Knoxville “doesn’t consider [himself] that tough,” even in light of all the crazy things he does. His willingness to follow through with these stunts, in spite of the fear, the impending pain makes Knoxville a hero.

I’ll admit, Knoxville perhaps isn’t the best hero, especially to developing adolescents who might see his antics and want to recreate them, but when framed properly, he becomes a hero we can all applaud. Knoxville is human, just like us, and more so, he doesn't have any outstanding talents – except perhaps an insane threshold for pain – which gives him a certain credibility.

We should praise Johnny Knoxville for his willingness to face fear, even death at times. As Knoxville puts it, “I never let whatever hesitancy I had keep me from doing any stunts.” Our Hesitation might prevent us from asking out that special someone or from seeking adventure in any of its many forms, but knowing what Knoxville does, despite his self-perceived weakness, perhaps we too can face our hesitations and achieve greatness, just like him.