Doing the right thing usually costs rather than pays, but it sure does bring health to the heart. Of all the things in my life that hold a lasting significance, it is those right things that shine bright. I'm no saint, no hero either, but have integrity and honour. So perhaps I got it wrong, let's rewind and have another go... doing the right thing is what really pays, because the other path will cost your soul, not all at once or in chunks you could notice, but just a sliver at a time.
When you work for the benefit of all humanity, appreciated or not by your contemporaries or community, the good universe colludes to raise you up and bring opportunities. The evil force will do the opposite. When you learn how to make each curse a blessing, to learn from pain and be led through your sense of love and integrity, then you win great things for all. That is the way of the hero and the hera.