A real modern thought leaders, who would want their followers to truly develop and realise their potential, would tell their followers to doubt them (i. e. in the leaders), to not follow their way blindly and rather have their own minds, and to take a look and see the matter directly for themselves. This is how, in essence, Friedrich Nietzsche depicts a though leader with his character Zarathustra.

Celebrities of the contemporary day

I recalled two big names in football, José Mourinho and Jürgen Klopp, who, each in their own manner, warmed that they are only entertainers, and that football is only entertainment. I also recall a scientists’ claim that big (also using the word excessive) admiration for athletes of various sports and celebrities that come from other areas of life is a sign of a lack of personal fulfilment in lives of people; they find a compensation in personifying themselves with another person and live (virtually, of course) and try to soak on their success.

Many celebrities have those large crowds of people following them, championing every move they make and every thought they mouth, and I may now of course wonder: will there ever be “a Zarathustra” among them? Will there ever be someone who says: Your life is also worthwhile. Don’t forget to first and foremost live your own success, to realise your own story, to believe (also) in your own will and your own potential. Is that possible? Can we expect athletes to show wider awareness of the world around them? Of the dynamics in it, and events that transpire in it? Of the fact that there are many jobs (and lives) that lack meaning, and that their celebrity status (and their earning, of course) is in large portion actually a result of those?

Should we consider this?

Athletes can get paid a lot of money, even millions of euros or dollars a year. They are paid to score goals, to run the fastest, to win matches and trophies, to be the best individuals and best teams in their discipline. Than there are people like scientists, who may devote their lives to society and to other people, who live their whole life to make a life better for others (like curing a disease or finding a solution to damaging our planet, finding a solution to lack of meaning or psychological struggles of groups, etc.), and they may only earn the breadcrumbs.

In the minimal, we can ask ourselves who we solute or who we admire? Who do we desire to be like? Or maybe, can we be a bit critical to what they are doing – think with our own mind about what this person behaves like towards likes of me? Or maybe if I ask you this: following someone gives that person power. That person has your ear. Then this person has choices what to do with that power. So, what do your role-models and your admiring figures do with that power? Mainly, do they keep it to themselves or do they return any of it to you?

Conclusion

I used to admire sport a lot. It shows or demonstrates lots of good values, like persistence and perseverance, devotion and collaboration, a life lived towards realising own potentials, and so on. I have worked in sports for 8 years in various roles and in different disciplines. Have been in touch with athletes, have had talks with them. And my thoughts have changed quite a bit. And especially if those values are not meant to transcend into other people’s lives …

State of the world is a reflection of our joint actions and behaviours. Who we follow (or admire, or buy products from in case of firms and entrepreneurs) is one of the tools that we definitely have in our disposal. So, how well are we using it?