Why The World Doesn’t Need Superman

Dr. Jerry Don Smith Jr.

12 min read

In a world beset by uncertainty and a longing for rescue from our daily ills, we often look to larger-than-life figures for hope — a modern savior to step in when the weight of our collective problems seems too great to bear. Yet, a closer examination reveals that the very notion of needing a superman — whether he is a comic book hero clad in red and blue or a Christ figure in disguise — can be as problematic as it is comforting. This essay, titled Why The World Doesn’t Need Superman, is an invitation to reexamine the cultural and religious narratives that have elevated figures like Superman and Jesus to almost mythic proportions. We will explore how Superman, who once symbolized a modern-day Moses liberating his people, has gradually become associated with the Christ figure, and why both these narratives, despite their inspirational veneer, might ultimately undermine the power that lies within each of us.

Superman as a Modern-Day Moses and the Evolution of a Savior Narrative

In his earliest incarnations, Superman represented more than just an alien with superhuman abilities. Like Moses leading his people out of bondage, he appeared as a beacon of liberation — a figure who challenged the limitations of the human condition by offering a glimpse of a better life. When he first burst onto the cultural scene, Superman’s miracles on screen echoed the deliverance stories found in ancient scriptures. His ability to defy gravity, his unwavering commitment to truth and justice, and his rare combination of vulnerability and strength made him an emblem of hope in troubled times.

However, as decades passed, this symbol of liberation underwent a transformation. Whereas Moses was a leader who guided his people with humility and faith in their inherent potential, Superman’s myth evolved into something even more idealized. He began to be seen not only as a guide but as the ultimate rescuer — a savior whose very presence was taken as proof that external intervention was both necessary and sufficient to cure the world’s ills. This evolution mirrors a similar shift in religious thought where the narrative of a divine savior, exemplified by Jesus Christ, became the cornerstone of faith. In many modern interpretations, Jesus is portrayed as a being with superhuman attributes — a figure who sacrifices himself to redeem humanity’s sins and promises resurrection as a sign of hope. Over time, Superman and Jesus have come to occupy parallel positions in popular imagination, each offering a model of perfection and deliverance that stands in stark contrast to the flawed, messy reality of human life.

The Jesus–Superman Parallel: Inspiration and the Perils of External Salvation

It is hardly a surprise that comparisons between Superman and Jesus Christ have taken root. Both figures embody ideals of selflessness and unconditional love, and both have suffered for the sake of others. Superman’s iconic moment — when he tells Lois Lane, “You wrote that the world doesn’t need a savior… but every day I hear it crying out for one” — resonates deeply with audiences because it encapsulates a paradox at the heart of our collective psyche. We profess a belief in our ability to solve problems, yet in times of crisis, we instinctively look for someone or something to rescue us. In this sense, Superman has become a symbol of our reliance on an external force to redeem us — a human need to be saved, much like the religious appeal to Jesus as the one who came to pay the ultimate price so that we might be saved.

However, when we delve deeper into the implications of this savior narrative, troubling questions arise. If we are so dependent on the promise of an external hero, are we not in effect surrendering our own agency? Religious interpretations that cast Jesus as a superhuman savior can foster a mindset in which divine intervention is expected rather than personal responsibility embraced. Likewise, the cultural fixation on Superman can inadvertently promote a form of hero worship that discourages us from looking inward for solutions. When we celebrate a figure who performs miracles on our behalf, we risk diminishing the value of our own efforts, our own creativity, and our capacity for self-improvement.

The Harmful Effects of Promulgating Savior Narratives

As a psychologist with nearly two decades of experience, I have observed firsthand how powerful narratives can shape individual and collective behavior. In my practice — and drawing upon the diverse cultural experiences I acquired growing up in Greece, Germany, England, and the United States, and later living in both the U.S. and Japan — I have seen how societies influenced by savior narratives sometimes fall into a state of learned helplessness. When communities begin to rely on an external hero to fix problems, there is a danger that the inherent strengths and resources within those communities are overlooked or underdeveloped.

Consider the impact of constantly being told that “the world needs Superman” or that “only Jesus can save us.” Such messages, while comforting in moments of despair, can inadvertently lead to a diminished sense of personal and collective agency. People might begin to believe that their own capacity for growth and problem solving is insufficient, and that true change is possible only through miraculous intervention. This mindset not only undermines the potential for self-empowerment but also distracts from the systemic issues that require sustained human effort and collaboration. In an era when the challenges we face — from climate change to social injustice — demand both immediate and long-term solutions, the idea that a singular, superhuman figure can provide a panacea is both illusory and counterproductive.

Furthermore, these narratives can foster a form of dependency that stifles innovation. When societies await rescue from an external savior, they may neglect to invest in the very human capacities — creativity, resilience, and cooperation — that are essential for sustainable progress. In this context, the promulgation of savior figures like Superman and Jesus, despite their historical and inspirational significance, can become a double-edged sword: while they inspire hope, they also risk reinforcing a cycle of dependency that ultimately limits our potential.

Reassessing the Role of the Savior: A Call for Self-Empowerment

If we scrutinize the core message behind the Superman myth, we see that his most potent attribute is not his superhuman strength or his ability to defy physics, but his unwavering belief in the possibility of a better world. His return to Earth, following a period of absence, is emblematic of a call to action — a reminder that even when hope seems lost, the spark of possibility endures. Yet, the inherent irony in Superman’s message is palpable: while he is celebrated as the ultimate savior, his very existence can discourage us from realizing that the capacity to save ourselves lies within us all.

This line of thought is further enriched when we consider the transformation of religious narratives over time. Many modern theologians and scholars argue that the essence of Jesus’ message was not about dependency on divine intervention, but about awakening the divine potential within every individual. The idea that “Jesus is a Superman figure” has been popularized by some cultural critics, yet when we apply the same reasoning that underpins this comparison, we arrive at a startling conclusion: if we are to truly embrace the message of hope and transformation, then we must acknowledge that the power to redeem our lives resides within ourselves. Just as Superman’s heroic deeds are a reflection of humanity’s longing for hope, so too is the message of Jesus intended to inspire us to live with courage, love, and resilience.

The danger, however, lies in turning these narratives into crutches rather than catalysts. When we idolize the idea of an external savior — be it a caped hero or a divine figure — we risk absolving ourselves of the responsibility to work on our own shortcomings. In doing so, we may inadvertently perpetuate cycles of passivity, waiting for miracles instead of taking deliberate, meaningful action. The true challenge, then, is to extract the inspiring essence of these narratives — the call to rise above our limitations — and channel that inspiration into tangible, self-directed change.

Integrating Personal Experience: A Psychologist’s Reflection on Cultural Narratives

In my nearly 20 years as a psychologist, I have witnessed how stories and myths shape our inner lives. Growing up in multiple cultures — Greece, where ancient myths still echo in everyday life; Germany, with its rich philosophical traditions; England, steeped in literary and historical legacy; and the United States, a melting pot of ideas — I have come to understand that our cultural backgrounds profoundly influence how we perceive strength, vulnerability, and salvation. Later, as an adult living in both the U.S. and Japan, I have seen firsthand how different societies balance the need for communal support with the imperative for individual responsibility.

In Greece, for example, the legacy of Homeric epics reminds us that heroes are not infallible gods but mortals who, despite their flaws, inspire us by daring to strive for greatness. In Germany, the philosophical inquiries of figures like Kant and Nietzsche challenge us to find moral strength within ourselves rather than relying on external absolutes. England’s literary traditions, from Shakespeare to the Brontë sisters, emphasize the complexity of human nature and the power of self-discovery. And in the United States, the recurring myth of the self-made individual has long been a rallying cry for those who believe in the power of hard work and personal determination.

My professional work has reinforced these insights time and again. I have counseled individuals who, overwhelmed by life’s challenges, have clung to the hope that some external hero will come to rescue them. Yet the most profound transformations occur when individuals recognize that the seeds of change have always resided within them. This realization — the awakening of one’s inner strength — transcends cultural boundaries and offers a universal blueprint for empowerment.

When we cling to the idea that “the world needs Superman,” we are, in effect, saying that we lack the courage to face our problems on our own. Such dependency not only stunts personal growth but also undermines the collective potential of our communities. Every time we wait passively for a miracle, we deny ourselves the opportunity to cultivate resilience, creativity, and solidarity. In a truly empowered society, each individual recognizes that while heroes may inspire us, the work of salvation is a collective endeavor — one that must be undertaken by every one of us.

Rethinking the Superman Narrative: From Savior Worship to Self-Reliance

The famous exchange in Superman Returns — where Superman tells Lois, “You wrote that the world doesn’t need a savior… but every day I hear it crying out for one” — serves as a microcosm of the paradox that lies at the heart of our cultural savior narratives. On one hand, the cry for a savior reflects a deep-seated need for hope, reassurance, and the promise of redemption. On the other hand, it reveals a vulnerability: a belief that without an external hero, we are incapable of overcoming the challenges before us.

This paradox has significant implications. When we celebrate external saviors without questioning our own capacity for change, we risk perpetuating a cycle of dependency. The narrative of the superman or the divine savior, while emotionally appealing, can also serve to distract us from the real work that lies within our own hearts and communities. The belief that “Jesus is our Superman” or that “the world needs a superman” can, if taken too literally, discourage self-empowerment and promote passivity in the face of adversity.

Moreover, these narratives can create unrealistic expectations. They paint a picture of perfection that, when unmet, leads to disillusionment and despair. The very idea that salvation must come from an external figure implies that our struggles are insurmountable on our own. It is a narrative that, while comforting in its simplicity, ultimately robs us of the profound satisfaction that comes from overcoming obstacles through our own determination and collaborative effort.

In the realm of psychology, this is akin to the phenomenon of learned helplessness — a state where individuals, having repeatedly failed to exert control over their circumstances, come to believe that they are powerless. The savior narrative, if unchallenged, can reinforce this mindset by suggesting that the only hope for change lies in an external intervention. In contrast, when we embrace our inherent strengths and recognize the power of collective human endeavor, we open the door to genuine transformation.

A New Paradigm: Cultivating Inner Strength and Collective Empowerment

So, if neither Superman nor a divine savior is truly necessary for our salvation, what then is the alternative? The answer lies in a shift of perspective — from seeking external rescue to fostering internal resilience and community empowerment. Instead of looking outward for a hero, we must turn inward to discover the latent strength that resides in each of us.

This is not to deny the inspirational value of figures like Superman or Jesus; rather, it is to reinterpret their legacy in a way that emphasizes human potential. The miracles performed by these figures should serve as metaphors for the transformative power that lies within every human being. The extraordinary acts of Superman and the redemptive sacrifice of Jesus are not prescriptions for dependence but rather reminders that even the most seemingly impossible challenges can be overcome when we harness our inner resources.

Drawing upon my experiences across diverse cultures, I have seen that the most enduring and effective solutions are those that emerge from within the community itself. In Japan, for instance, the concept of ikigai — one’s reason for being — encourages individuals to seek fulfillment and purpose from within, fostering a sense of agency that is both personal and communal. Similarly, the Western ideal of self-reliance, tempered by the understanding that no one is truly an island, underscores the importance of collaboration and mutual support.

When we apply these lessons to our current cultural climate, we begin to see that the promise of an external savior is, in fact, a call to recognize our own power. It is an invitation to reimagine the role of heroism not as an isolated act performed by a single individual but as a shared responsibility. Each of us has the capacity to be a hero in our own right — to stand up for what is right, to challenge injustice, and to work tirelessly for the betterment of our communities.

Conclusion: Embracing a Future of Self-Empowerment and Hope

Why The World Doesn’t Need Superman is not a rejection of hope or a dismissal of the inspirational power of myth. Rather, it is a call to action — a reminder that while we may look to external figures for inspiration, the true work of salvation begins within us. The narratives of Superman as a modern-day Moses and Jesus as a divine savior, though rich in symbolism, risk fostering a culture of dependency that diminishes our own inherent potential.

We live in a world that is complex, fraught with challenges both great and small. It is natural to long for a hero, someone to come to our rescue when the burdens become too heavy. Yet, if we learn anything from the evolving myth of Superman, it is that the most enduring strength lies not in the arms of a single savior, but in the collective will and resilience of humanity itself. Every time we choose to face our challenges head-on, every time we empower ourselves and one another to create change, we honor the true spirit of heroism.

As a psychologist who has journeyed across continents — from the ancient echoes of Greece and the philosophical depths of Germany to the storied traditions of England and the vibrant diversity of the United States, and later in the dynamic cultural milieu of Japan — I have seen that the quest for salvation is universal. Yet, it is only when we acknowledge that the light we seek is already within us that we can truly rise to meet the future. Let us then reject the notion that we are eternally beholden to an external savior and instead cultivate the courage, creativity, and compassion that define us as human beings.

In the end, the world doesn’t need a superman to save it — what it needs is for each of us to recognize and embrace the hero within. Let the stories of Superman and Jesus inspire us not to wait passively for rescue, but to become active agents of change in our own lives and communities. In doing so, we not only honor the legacy of these cultural icons, but we also pave the way for a future where hope and self-empowerment are the true sources of salvation.

May this reflection serve as both a critique of the seductive yet ultimately limiting savior narrative and a celebration of the profound power that lies within every individual. The challenge is ours to meet: to reject dependency on mythic rescue and to instead build a world in which we are our own heroes.