10 Important Lessons Comic Book Superheroes Taught Us
6. Iron Man And Learning To Grow
Tony Stark has arguably made more mistakes and screw ups in his comic cannon than any other popular hero. However, that's exactly what makes him a perfect teacher.
In Iron Man: Extremis a documentary filmmaker brings Stark face to face with some unintended deadly consequences from his past. He's reminded that his path to redemption isn't just long, it's infinite.
At a point in the story Stark puts his life on the line to gain the power that would allow him to defeat the monstrous villain Mallen. After the mission is accomplished, the one who gave Mallen the Extremis serum tells Stark that he's no better than her. Surprisingly, he doesn't argue with her, but proudly states that he's at least trying to be.
Tony is aware of how much damage he's caused to the world through his arrogance and wears his guilt around his neck like a vise. What makes him a hero though is that he takes direct action to atone for his sins.
By trying to be a better person Tony becomes one, because sometimes trying is just as important as succeeding. He'll never fully be able to make up for everything he's done, but that doesn't mean he can't become a superior version of his former self.