From 2000-2010, I worked as an "Extra" in films, movies and commercials. For thos ewho dont' know, and Extra is one of those peopel who are in teh background or in the room who never say anything, but are just there to create "atmosphere" for the scene. Before anyone gets any ideas aobut pusuing that kidn of job, the pay is not enough to live on, and the work is nto easy to get, so don't 'run off to Hollywood. Trust me. Some people in the entertainment industry are crazy (very messed up emotionally with a very warped perception of reality).

Anyway, I met a few "celebrities" and saw many many more. i ws nto really all the impressed, and did not really think they deserved the worship many of them received. They were all just people.

In my mind talent does not really make a person worthy of respect, but it is how they treat other people. I just cant' admire somoen who treats others like they are shit... You can respect power without having any respect for the person who holds it.

I see no reason to have to put anything on a pedestal. That is projection and a sure recipe for disappointment. In my days as a fundamentalist I was often taught that "everyone worships something, even if it's only themselves". But that is false. There are individuals who inspire us to be better persons, there are things we seek out and enjoy as hobbies or life objectives but that is not "worship". That is the human quest for meaning and purpose.

Worship is mindless obeisance and blind trust in a being that is supposed to be (1) vastly superior and either (2) threatening you with some form of punishment for anything less than total obedience and/or (3) is so trustworthy as to be beyond question.

I would not serve (2) and would not trust (3). If (1) cannot stand and stand up to critical scrutiny then they are not so great after all. NOTHING is beyond question.

As for fallible humans, you're right, they're even less trustworthy, but also, since they're not all-powerful, in a way they're MORE trustworthy. Why? Because power corrupts, and absolute power corrupts absolutely. Most humans have about the same power as you or I, and so are not as corrputible and privileged.

Anyway don't feel bad for not being easily impressed. It's not part of your job description as a human and in fact, it's actually desirable to have a default skeptical / critical stance.

If I am going to worship anyone it is going to be ME.

I don't either. They are merely mortal.

In my opinion,

I believe that as most of "us" had been indoctrinated and then broken away from some organised religion or another, that we tend to be more skeptical of strong figures in general. So either that part of our mind is more acutely aware of understanding there naturally are flaws for any individual or perhaps we are more cautious about group think in general.

Rather than accomplishments, I am impressed (or not) by behavior. I enjoy being with open, friendly, intelligent, and funny people. Not because I put folks like that on a pedestal, but because I feel comfortable around them.

That's the thing about pedestals. Once someone is put on one, there are always others actively seeking to knock them off. I suppose that's a good thing, keeps 'em on their toes. Personally, I don't care for heights.

I don't worship people, but I do admire people who accomplish great things, make mistakes because they are human. I admire them more if they acknowledge those mistakes in order to improve.

No Altars for generals... my motto. I am with you.

I suppose if you reserve your pedestal for magical, all powerful beings, then your pedestal will remain empty. But you and I belive that there is only one pool of beings to select from, and they're all human and imperfect. So, if I were to populate pedestals, it would just be from the best among us humans. I guess that would mean that my pedestal isn't such a special place if it's just for great humans and not perfect beings.

Not jaded, just realistic, I get flack from people because I say Stephen Hawking, though brilliant and all kinds of awesome, has made some very bloody stupid comments on space and time.
Noone is perfect, we all make many mistakes, I don't consider anyone above errors.

I can be inspired by an individual, be in awe of a talent they have whether artistic, athletic, scientific, etc. I can be amazed at someone's bravery or strength in adversity. So, in those instances I can be a fan, but I haven't come across anyone that I would put on a pedestal or fail to remember that they are human, too. Part of that is the atheist in me but part is also the Yank in me, the refusal to bow a knee to any man. Even when I was in the USN I saluted, & "sirred", but I sure as hell never worshipped an officer!

Hawking was smart and a very good physicst. There are others. The reason Hawking is one of my role models is that he didn't wallow in self pity; instead, he lived a good life. There are others, and they too are role models, perhaps for me, but I don't know of them all. You aren't jaded. Humans have too many warts to be on a pedestal.

They don't just go on a pedestel because lots of people like sheep look upto them. Imake that choice myself who Ilook up too. they are only human. no one is better than me.