The entire basis of Louis Zamperini's life comes from one phrase that he constantly repeated to himself. "If I can take it, I can make it." Throughout his life Louis endured many things. As a child, Louis resisted the bullies and tormentors that he had as a child. In his High School and College years, Louis had to deal with people trying to beat him in races and take him down. Louis refused to lose and never gave up in a race no matter how far behind he fell in the race. Most of all Louis was resilient as a POW in World War II. He endured constant torture and beatings. No matter how far the Bird pushed Louis, he never broke.
The courage that Louis showed during his life was incredible. His brother Pete gave him the courage to try running, even though he had damaged lungs from pneumonia. Louis also had the courage to join the military and the Air Corps. His courage was needed to serve his country. Without his courage Louis would not have been able to face the Bird and his other captors.
Louis was optimistic throughout all his trials. When he was stranded on the raft in the middle of the ocean, his fellow crewmen Mac was positive that they were going to die. Louis stayed positive throughout this experience and encouraged the others to stay positive. While he was in the prison camps, Louis stayed positive by finding activities to do like stealing from the guards and officers.
A hero needs to defy the odds if they want to reach their ultimate goal and be respected. Louis Zamperini became the fastest high school runner and set the NCAA record in the mile. Louis' lungs were destroyed by pneumonia when he was younger, but he still became a great runner. In the prison camps, Louis should have died. He came out of the camps and continued his life.