"The real hero is always a hero by mistake; he dreams of being an honest coward like everybody else"

This quote by Umberto Eco talks to the idea that true heroism is typically accidental. The genuine hero is not someone who sets out to be heroic, but rather somebody who discovers themselves in a circumstance where they should act heroically. This hero is not looking for acknowledgment or splendor, however rather is just attempting to do the best thing. The quote also talks to the concept that most people would rather be an "truthful coward" than a hero. This is because heroism frequently includes great threat and sacrifice, and many people would rather avoid such a circumstance. The quote indicates that real heroism is not something that can be sought out, but rather something that is stumbled upon. It is a pointer that often the most heroic acts are those that are done without any thought of benefit or recognition.