The problem with putting someone on a pedestal is that they are also busy looking up with admiration. Your idols have idols themselves, which can seem like an odd thought when we view them with such a biased glance that we begin to believe that they are perfection itself. Now, I believe that praising another for their achievements is not a negative thing when in isolation, however the trouble lies with when it crosses the line of simply praising another and becomes something you use to drag yourself down.
Recognising your own shortcomings is one thing, but destroying your confidence is another. Admittedly, despite the fact that I often encourage others to monitor their own self-criticism to make sure that it stays constructive, there are moments where my internal thoughts are anything but. Quite recently I watched other students in my class showcase their work, and all I could think about was how terrible my work was in comparison. How I’d never be able to make something so good, and there was a brief moment where I half-jokingly considered dropping out. I fell into a horrible mood for several hours, but I felt better after some food and rest.
When people put me on a pedestal, it can seem quite odd and there’s this nagging concern that I’m accidentally misleading people. I’ve witnessed certain individuals tear themselves down in the process of complimenting me, such as; “Wow, your work is amazing, I’ll never be as good as you since I’m basically terrible unlike you, since you’re great”. Whilst such sentiments are usually well-intentioned, they make me feel almost guilty since my actions have indirectly led to someone disliking themselves. My knee-jerk reaction to such a situation is to usually remind that person of their talents, and to point out my various flaws in an attempt to provide them with a more balanced view of me. I try to explain that their self-worth should not be dictated by such things.
However, sadly this can backfire and lead to even more compliments. “You’re so modest and perfect!”.
“*Sigh* Just... stop what you are doing right now, please”. No one is perfect. To frame me as such is doing a great disservice to yourself, and also it’s simply incorrect. I don’t want that. To an extent, I think the vast majority of us are guilty of putting others on pedestal and dragging ourselves down in the process. I certainly know I am every so often.
Sometimes there’s this nagging voice at the back of my head that remarks “Why is anyone friends with you? Also, your dad was a child prodigy who beat a super computer and made inventions in his spare time, what have you even achieved so far?”. I guess it’s true what they say about being your own worst critic. But whenever you catch that critic of yours not being constructive, remember to take it aside and confront it. Seems generic I know, but it’s something I need to hear right now and perhaps it’s something you need as well.
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Support human artists!
Near the spectrum but not on it.
03 Dec 2018, 10:06 pm
But yes, he was. Although he didn't beat the computer when he was a child, more so around his teens/early twenties.
