Everyone Should Be Respected As An Individual, But No One Idolized

“Everyone should be respected as an individual, but no one idolized”

-Albert Einstein

In today’s society, the media portrays famous people, celebrities, as idols. Images create the illusion of someone, a human, as more than they truly are. They are branded as stars, people that we should look up to and aim to be like. We have to remember that these individuals were born with all the same basic human structures, same desires, wants, and needs. These “stars” just managed to find their way to the top, by whatever means they achieved it, some in more respectable ways than others. We are all the same spiritual beings in a physical body. Some individuals are just born more fortunate than others but every human being has the potential for greatness.

As humans, we grow up being raised by our parents or guardian, we are taught values, morals, and beliefs based on our culture. These can be greatly affected by our location in the world. The values of the American culture, specifically LA, will differ significantly in comparison to the culture in Bangkok, Thailand which may drastically differ with the European cultures of Britain or France as well as those in other cities, states, or countries. Many factors can contribute into culture creation such as, poverty levels or ethnic backgrounds. In any case, children grow up having idols, mentors, or “heroes”  called parents. Right from birth, the parents are idolized. Therefore, it is only natural that humans are worshiping the rich and famous. These are the “elites of society”.These individuals are viewed as special, which in many cases may be that they are talented or fortunate, and people want to be that way themselves.

If there’s anything to take away from “idols” its not to try to be exactly like they are or to worship who they are. More important than that, take away the reason behind why they are being idolized. What is it about them, what traits, what characteristic, beliefs are making this person a successful individual. Acknowledge and respect that about them and learn from them but do not obsess and spend your time treating them like heroes or stars at the expense of your own time. Your time is valuable and can be better spent to learn, to practice winning qualities for yourself, and to apply your unique gift that you were given.

Love yourself, do what makes you happy for yourself, but never at the expense of another persons misfortune and never for the wrong reasons with the wrong intentions. Avoid being lazy or selfish. Put yourself first, however, try to help others when you can. Help improve society by improving yourself as an individual, then give back when possible.

Respect others and while one should not idolize, if you are to be idolizing anyone, it should be yourself.