How Much Should We Idolise Someone?

How Much Should We Idolise Someone?

One of my dreams is to see Lionel Messi.

Not necessarily meet him.

Not necessarily speak to him.

Just see him.

Even if only for a few seconds.

And every time I think about it, I find myself asking a strange question.

Why?

What is it about another human being that makes us travel across countries, spend money, stand in crowds, and wait for hours just to catch a glimpse of them?

What exactly are we hoping to experience in that moment?

I don’t know the answer.

But I know I am not alone.

Throughout history, people have idolised athletes, actors, musicians, leaders, writers, and countless other personalities.

Some become symbols of hope.

Some represent excellence.

Some inspire us to become better versions of ourselves.

And some simply make us believe that extraordinary things are possible.

Perhaps that is why I want to see Messi one day.

Not because he knows who I am.

He doesn’t.

And most probably never will.

Yet somehow, he has managed to inspire millions of people across the world, including me.

Maybe that is what makes certain people so special.

Not that they know us personally, but that their journey, values, and achievements make us believe we can become better versions of ourselves.

And that makes me wonder:

How much should we really idolise another human being?

Personally, I don’t think idolising someone is wrong.

In fact, it can be incredibly positive.

When someone inspires us to work harder, become kinder, stay disciplined, or pursue our dreams, that influence can shape our lives in meaningful ways.

But somewhere along the journey of admiring others, I think many of us forget something important.

We are already surrounded by heroes.

Our parents.

Our siblings.

Our spouses.

Our friends.

The people who stood by us during our difficult moments.

The people who encouraged us when we doubted ourselves.

The people who sacrificed their time, comfort, and sometimes even their own dreams to help us achieve ours.

Why do we so often overlook their efforts?

Why do we sometimes take them for granted?

Is it because the world is not talking about them?

Is it because they are not famous?

Or is it simply because we assume they will always be there?

I am not suggesting that we should stop admiring athletes, actors, or public figures.

Far from it.

The question is why we sometimes forget the people closest to us while celebrating people who may never know we exist.

I have often seen people remember every birthday, achievement, and milestone of their favourite celebrity while forgetting the birthdays of family members.

People spend hours following every update about their idols but rarely spend the same amount of time speaking to those who love them unconditionally.

Why?

Is it worth it?

Perhaps we all need a little inspiration in our lives.

Perhaps we all need someone who motivates us.

But should that admiration come at the cost of neglecting our own relationships?

For me, the answer is no.

Ironically, one of the reasons I admire Messi is not because of the trophies he has won.

It is not because of the records he has broken.

What I admire most is the way he seems to value his family despite achieving almost everything possible in his profession.

He has not forgotten where he came from.

He has not forgotten the people who stood by him.

And perhaps that is what makes me respect him even more.

The lesson I take from him is not how to play football.

It is how to remain grounded despite success.

How to remember the people who matter.

How to stay connected to your roots.

For me, family and loved ones come before everything else.

And perhaps the people we choose to idolise reveal something about who we are ourselves.

Maybe we are not attracted to fame alone.

Maybe we are drawn to qualities we admire and hope to develop within ourselves.

Perhaps that is why admiration exists in the first place.

Not to make us worship another person, but to inspire us to become a better version of ourselves.

That is my perspective on idolising someone.

What is yours?