People Are Awesome -- Be awesome in 2026

Human societies have long revered excellence, specifically physical prowess. The heroic ideal going back to Beowulf and early Anglo-Saxon storytelling is the foundation of the modern-day action hero. The epic hero is an individual of supernatural strength and endurance, and the storytelling around these paragons of greatness is foundational in practically every land and culture.  

That is, of course, why professional athletes are called "heroes" and are not only awash in adulation but often material riches. It's why we talk about ideas like "the GOAT." But greatness is found in moments, and truly incredible feats of excellence happen every day, often simply for the thrill of the experience. And that idea in the digital age is spotlighted every day through the magic of YouTube. 

"People Are Awesome" is a YouTube channel simply devoted to cool videos of amazing people doing awesome things. I am a fan, as you can imagine, and when I was teaching high school, I would often start some classes by watching a "Best of" video from the site, and then I would encourage my students to think -- sometimes write -- about how they can be awesome this year. Below are a couple favorites. As the song in one states, "we can be heroes."

Let's be awesome this year.