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Understanding the Meaning Behind the Phrase and Its Origins
You've likely come across the saying, 'never meet your heroes.' But what does it really mean? In this article, we explore the origins of the phrase, the reasons behind it, and why it could be a piece of advice worth reconsidering.
What 'Never Meet Your Heroes' Means
'Never meet your heroes' is an age-old proverb that cautions against meeting the people you admire—whether they are artists, authors, or celebrities—since the encounter often leads to disillusionment, as they may not match your idealized image of them.
Key Points to Consider
What does the expression 'never meet your heroes' really mean?
It's an age-old saying that suggests meeting your idols might lead to disappointment. The phrase 'never meet your heroes' serves as a cautionary piece of advice, warning people that meeting their idols could lead to a letdown due to the hero's true personality. This disappointment often arises because individuals tend to idealize their heroes, neglecting their flaws, and setting unrealistic expectations for the encounter.
- The hero may not have the time, interest, or energy to meet the expectations others have placed on them, shattering the perfect image that person has built in their mind.
- The logic behind this saying is that many public figures create a persona for themselves, and the image they project online or on screen can be vastly different from their true self.
- That said, some argue that meeting your heroes can offer a positive experience, showing that they are no different from any other person.
Why is the saying 'never meet your heroes' so common?
It's widely said because many people have had disappointing experiences meeting their idols. With the rise of social media, it's now easier than ever to be taken in by the curated public image of celebrities and influencers, rather than seeing them as ordinary people with flaws. Many people have shared their 'never meet your heroes' stories online (like in this Reddit thread), recounting times when they met a celebrity and felt let down by the interaction.
What is the origin of the phrase 'Never meet your heroes'?
'Never meet your heroes' dates back to the 19th century. Though the exact origin of the phrase is unclear, the idea has been part of literature for centuries. One of the earliest references to the concept appears in Gustave Flaubert’s French novel, Madame Bovary. The original French quote is 'Il ne faut pas toucher aux idoles: la dorure en reste aux mains,' which translates to 'Don’t touch your idols: a little gold always rubs off.'
- The saying gained wider recognition in the 20th century as fans began to share their stories of meeting their heroes and feeling disappointed. Musicians, actors, and other celebrities have echoed this sentiment in interviews, cautioning others not to idolize them too much.
Why You Should Consider Meeting Your Heroes
It helps you recognize them as regular people with flaws. Even if your encounter with your hero doesn’t live up to your expectations, meeting them can offer a valuable reminder that everyone has their imperfections. Humans are complex, and it's unhealthy to place anyone on a pedestal. By seeing your hero’s vulnerabilities, you can adjust your expectations and become more understanding of both others and yourself.
- For example, if you meet a singer who’s rude, it can serve as a lesson to not idealize them. You might either choose to separate their art from their character or decide to stop supporting them.
You could have the chance to ask them for advice and gain insights. If you're fortunate, your hero might turn out to be just as remarkable as you imagined, offering you their wisdom. Meeting them face-to-face presents a rare opportunity to inquire about their career, challenges they've faced, and how they achieved success.
- For instance, if you’re a film student, you might ask an actor about their approach to dealing with creative differences or managing rejection.
You might forge a meaningful relationship with them. Sometimes, meeting someone can spark an instant connection, leading to a friendship or mentorship that could open up new opportunities in your career. In this case, meeting your hero can be likened to networking—creating a genuine bond that helps you build valuable contacts, gain knowledge, and access new experiences.
- For example, if you’re hosting a podcast and have an insightful conversation with an author, you might ask to connect with them on LinkedIn and invite them to an interview.
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Never Meet Your Heroes is also the name of an adult role-playing game (RPG) available on Steam. Released in 2023, it is currently not available for purchase on the platform.
