Two traits of Clark Kent that have been prominent for most of the series have been his positive and optimistic view on humanity as well as his self-loathing and self-pity of not being human. Clark strongly believes that feelings such as compassion are synonymous to the human race, and thinks humans are, on the whole, noble beings. He has often expressed a desire to be human and a disdain towards his alien heritage, probably because he feels his biology hinders his humanity despite several people telling him that humanity is more than biology. Clark also has been told many times to have a hero complex and that he often does good, selfless acts without any thought for himself. Clark is childish and sometimes sarcastic.
This self-loathing is probably why Clark internalizes situations and believes everything is his fault or revolves around him in some fashion. It deeply affects him when his loved ones suffer because of his secret, as he fails to consider that people who love him would willingly suffer for him and instead blames himself for any trouble that befalls them, regardless as to whether he's responsible or not.
Despite Clark's reverence for the human race and their capacity for love and bravery, he doesn't think much of them physically. He has several times assumed that because someone is human and does not have his powers, they are completely incapable of taking care of themselves. In this way, he believes that all humans depend on him to protect him. He fails to take into account that some humans are capable of caring for themselves.
Clark has two notable characteristics that he takes directly after his biological parents Jor-El and Lara: His father's independent spirit and his mother's never-ending bravery and compassionate heart.
Clark is idealistic and has the ability to always find the good in people, which manifests itself into a willingness to trust others to a fault.
