Admire Quote by Ernest Becker
““When we are young we are often puzzled by the fact that each person we admire seems to have a different version of what life ought to be, what a good man is, how to live, and so on. If we are especially sensitive it seems more than puzzling, it is disheartening. What most people usually do is to follow one person's ideas and then another's depending on who looms largest on one's horizon at the time. The one with the deepest voice, the strongest appearance, the most authority and success, is usually the one who gets our momentary allegiance; and we try to pattern our ideals after him. But as life goes on we get a perspective on this and all these different versions of truth become a little pathetic. Each person thinks that he has the formula for triumphing over life's limitations and knows with authority what it means to be a man, and he usually tries to win a following for his particular patent. Today we know that people try so hard to win converts for their point of view because it is more than merely an outlook on life: it is an immortality formula.””
About This Quote
The passage critiques the human tendency to chase differing moral and life philosophies presented by charismatic figures, revealing how such pursuits often serve as attempts at personal legacy rather than genuine truth.
In simple terms: We chase leaders' formulas for meaning, mistaking them for lasting truth.
Key Takeaway
Authority often masks a quest for personal immortality.
Themes
identity
authority
meaning
legacy
philosophy
influence
Mood
reflective
skeptical
thoughtful
Type
philosophical
observational
critical
When to use this quote
- adolescents seeking role models
- career decisions influenced by mentors
- political rallies swayed by charismatic speakers
- personal crises prompting philosophical shifts
Key Concepts
social conformity
existential search
hero worship
cognitive dissonance
Practical Applications
- critical thinking workshops
- personal development coaching
Questions to Reflect On
- How do we discern genuine insight from mere charisma?
- What role does personal legacy play in shaping our beliefs?
A Different Perspective
While charismatic leaders can inspire growth, dismissing all authority risks losing valuable guidance.
![“If the partner becomes God he can just as easily become the Devil; the reason is not far to seek. For one thing, one becomes bound to the object in dependency. One needs it for self-justification. . . . [O]ne's self-development is restricted by the object, absorbed by it. It is too narrow a…” quote by Ernest Becker](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/img-quotes/bca/ernest-becker-7036_lose-yourself_if-the-partner-becomes-god-he-can-just-a_336762.jpg)
