Yes, something does override their sense of self preservation. Either that, or they do not perceive the danger to themselves. I think the latter might be the case. Heroism is indeed a selfless act.

My son saved a three year old from drowning when he was only five. While people tried to save him (unaware that there was another child who had fallen in the water) he resisted their attempts and continued to dive below the surface. When he finally pulled the girl to the surface, they wondered why he was trying to hand them seaweed. It was only after they discovered it was the child's hair and pulled her to safety that my son grabbed hold of a hand to lift him out.

She was down pretty deep and it took him three dives to find her.

All he could do was cry about the shoe he lost.

After he was calm, he made me promise not to tell his teacher.

He wanted no attention at all.

Do we all possess these qualities? I don't think so. Most people are concerned with saving their own skin.

Today he is a very successful, businessman. Why? Everyone trusts him and he treats everyone with respect. We call him 'Golden Boy' because doors of opportunity magically open for him, wherever he goes. He leads what many of us would call a 'charmed life'.

He is the perfect example of a person who thoroughly understands the sanctity of life and leads his life accordingly. I truly believe that this childhood experience had a profound effect on him. He takes nothing for granted.