In Memoriam: Dr. Philip Zimbardo (1933-2024)

It is with deep sadness that we announce the passing of Dr. Philip Zimbardo, a visionary whose commitment to understanding and promoting everyday heroism reshaped the way we view our potential to effect positive change. Through creating the Heroic Imagination Project (HIP), Phil sought to make the concept of heroism accessible to all, believing in the extraordinary potential within ordinary people to act with courage, integrity, and compassion when it matters most.

Dr. Zimbardo founded the Heroic Imagination Project in 2010 as a response to the often-overlooked heroism that surrounds us daily. HIP’s goal was to cultivate empathy, resilience, and moral courage in individuals across the globe, emphasizing that true heroism isn’t confined to grand gestures but is found in the quiet yet powerful choices to stand up, speak out, and help those in need. Phil’s work was instrumental in challenging the bystander effect, empowering people to break free from inaction, and embrace the development of what he called the “heroic imagination.”

Under Dr. Zimbardo’s guidance, the Heroic Imagination Project worked with students, educators, and business leaders, embedding the lessons of heroism in communities worldwide. HIP’s programs, which teach participants how to overcome fear, develop critical decision-making skills, and understand social dynamics, remain a living testament to his belief in the transformative power of heroism.

Phil’s kindness, humor, and passion will be remembered by those who had the honor to work with him, but his legacy lives on in the lives touched by HIP’s programs in every corner of the globe. His dedication to teaching, empowering, and inspiring heroic action will continue to resonate, reminding us that heroism is not just the realm of the extraordinary but within the reach of everyone.

As we say goodbye to Phil, we celebrate a life devoted to bringing psychology research to everyday audiences. His spirit endures in the Heroic Imagination Project and in each of us who dares to imagine a better world—and act to make it so.

In lieu of flowers, donations in Philip G. Zimbardo's name can be made to the nonprofits Social Psychology Network (socialpsychology.org) and the Heroic Imagination Project (heroicimagination.org).