Lately, it has seemed to me that the most important thing to people is who has the most popularity, good or bad. In North America, we seem to base trust and success on self promotional fame. The loudest person who shows the most confidence publicly tends to get the most support. In politics, the most attractive famous person usually gets the job; and in business, the person who walks around talking about how great he or she is gets the promotion, raise, or position. I wonder why we get sucked in by those types of people. When did our values begin to form around fame and fortune?
I think there are a lot of people doing a great job, quietly. There are many successful business people who are donating anonymously, because they want to help our community without having to be recognized for it. Mothers and fathers work so hard every day to raise responsible, healthy, and kind children, because their values are true and right.
There is no glory in most jobs, no grand recognition or praise. There are low wage earners who work just as hard or harder, and who are better people than those who make a fortune and treat people poorly. I wonder if there is payback for those who solely value their own fame and fortune, who spend their days spouting “I am great" to the entire world, to the detriment of those around them.
I don't get star struck, but I have met many people who are. Personally, I would much rather sit and talk to an everyday person, who is caring, giving, and trustworthy, than with someone who constantly talks about how awesome they are. I prefer to know, "what have you done for someone else lately?” than hear stories about fame and fortune. I have far more interesting conversations with those who work hard, who care about their work, who are middle class, and whose stories are different than my own, than with the rich and boring.
Is it possible for people to have bad success? I say yes, if they have a false set of values and are not authentic. As we get closer to the Christmas holidays, we should evaluate the people we spend time listening to, and make sure they are worth our energy and appreciation.
1 comments:
I think what you've pointed out are characteristics of human nature and it may be more of a western corporate cultural system than anything.
Also, being bold in your professional endeavors is not inherently bad either. While I agree with having a good value basis, I think it's more productive for us to encourage the meek to be bolder than bash the bold for utilizing human nature to their advantage.
The meek still haven't inherited the earth as far as I can tell and they typically don't get the top positions....just a thought from reality.
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