The Marvel of Martyrdom is approximately how self-sacrifice can change lives and exactly how martyrs can change the world.

The book starts large-with famous and influential martyrs such as Jesus and Gandhi-and ends small-with ordinary people whose own experiences of self-sacrifice give martyrdom its political power. Looking for the developmental origins of self-sacrifice, the book explores children’s folklore as well as the success of mega-hits like the Matrix and Harry Potter. Seeking the everyday benefits of self-sacrifice, the book shows the potential for finding indicating and happiness in assisting others.

The Marvel of Martyrdom takes a broad perspective on self-sacrifice and martyrdom, bringing together religion, popular culture, history, psychology, and mythology. Tales of individuals both popular (Gandhi) and obscure (Rodrigo Rosenberg) intertwine with study on altruism, joy, and radicalization to terrorism. The changing panorama from the book’s setting-from The Roman Empire to nineteenth-century Russia to Nazi Germany to post-World War II India, to provide day Ukraine-makes the power of self-sacrifice and martyrdom come alive and displays their potential to improve people and civilizations.