I don't know where you got that adage but that's the polar opposite of what a hero is. A hero is someone who sacrifices HIMSELF for the greater good i.e. jumping on top of a live grenade to save his fellow soldiers.
I think the world you're looking for is "politician."
Those are indeed true heroes. the adage is around due to the fact people who actively try to be heroes, for both the glory and fame, tend to fuck thing up for every body else.