A few years ago I had an interesting conversation with an
acquaintance from an ivy league university. He was a very good-looking guy, 23 years old and studying at a prestigious law school. It seemed he had all the things most men would want. I asked him what it was like being him. A bold question that gave me an equally candid answer. He confided in me that being "perfect" was not much fun. Most people he knew were not rooting for his success. He felt that most of his friends from his hometown were intimidated by his ambition. He felt others thought his abilities and good looks were sheer luck and that he didn't deserve to have so many blessings. I found his point of view intriguing. I realized there was some truth to his perspective. Sometimes I also feel I should conceal good things in my life to gain acceptance. It is interesting to think about why we can admire celebrities, but have trouble honoring the good fortune of people we actually know. It would be a great thing if we could inspire each other and not look specifically to famous personalities as our mentors.
acquaintance from an ivy league university. He was a very good-looking guy, 23 years old and studying at a prestigious law school. It seemed he had all the things most men would want. I asked him what it was like being him. A bold question that gave me an equally candid answer. He confided in me that being "perfect" was not much fun. Most people he knew were not rooting for his success. He felt that most of his friends from his hometown were intimidated by his ambition. He felt others thought his abilities and good looks were sheer luck and that he didn't deserve to have so many blessings. I found his point of view intriguing. I realized there was some truth to his perspective. Sometimes I also feel I should conceal good things in my life to gain acceptance. It is interesting to think about why we can admire celebrities, but have trouble honoring the good fortune of people we actually know. It would be a great thing if we could inspire each other and not look specifically to famous personalities as our mentors.
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