The Inspiring Story: From Rags to Riches

Bob was born into poverty. His family was always struggling to make ends meet, and he had to work hard since a young age to help his parents. However, he never lost sight of his dream to become a successful businessman. He worked hard, studied relentlessly, and eventually became the CEO of his own company.

But success came with a price. Bob’s friends and acquaintances started to look at him in a different way. Some were envious, others were intimidated, and many others were simply distant. Bob felt alone, even though he had achieved his professional goals. He longed for someone he could trust and confide in, someone who would understand him and share his values.

One day, Bob met Homer. Homer was also a successful businessman, but he was different. He was friendly, humble, and approachable. Bob was delighted to have found a kindred spirit and they soon became close friends. They talked about business, but also about life, love, and spirituality. Bob felt that he had finally found the friend he had been looking for.

However, as time went by, Bob started to realize the downside of being friends with Homer. Homer was not only successful, but also demanding. He expected a lot from himself and from others, and could be critical and judgmental. He didn’t hesitate to point out Bob’s mistakes and shortcomings, even when it hurt. Bob started to feel uneasy with their friendship, and wondered if he had made a mistake in trusting Homer.

Nevertheless, Bob didn’t want to give up on Homer. He knew that Homer had his best interests at heart, and that he could learn a lot from him. He decided to confront Homer and express his concerns candidly. Homer listened carefully, and then replied: “Bob, I understand your fears, but you have to realize that being friends with great men is not for the faint of heart. It requires courage, humility, and resilience. You have to be willing to accept criticism, to learn from it, and to keep improving. You also have to be willing to challenge your own assumptions, and to embrace new ideas and perspectives. It’s not easy, but it’s worth it.”

The Background: Homer and the Fear of Greatness

Homer was a legendary poet and bard who lived in ancient Greece. He was known for his epic poems, such as the Iliad and the Odyssey, which narrated the heroic deeds and adventures of the Greek gods and heroes. Homer was a master of storytelling, and his works had a profound influence on Greek culture and civilization.

However, Homer was also a humble and wise man, who understood the pitfalls of greatness. He knew that success and fame could be intoxicating and corruptive, and that even the greatest heroes could fall prey to hubris and folly. He also knew that being friends with great men could be both rewarding and challenging, and that it required a certain mindset and attitude.

In his Odyssey, Homer tells the story of Odysseus, a great hero who goes on a long and perilous journey to return home after the Trojan War. Odysseus encounters many obstacles and temptations along the way, but he also receives help and guidance from various gods, goddesses, and humans. One of his most memorable encounters is with the sage Tiresias, who warns him about the dangers and benefits of being a great man:

“You will come to the Sirens, who enchant all men. Whoever comes near them, without knowing their ways and their singing, he never returns. Therefore let me tell you the mind of the Sirens, and how they sang to you the sweet songs. They sit in their field, and near them is a heap of bones of men, rotting away in the sun. Come therefore, and bind me in strong bonds, that neither by word nor deed may I transgress against you. And when we shall pass by them, row quickly, and let none of the ship’s crew listen to the Sirens’ song. For if any man listens to their song, he will never return home, but will remain with the Sirens, forgetful of wife and of children, and of his sireland.”

Tiresias’ warning is not only about the literal danger of the Sirens, but also about the metaphorical danger of being seduced by the allure of greatness. He advises Odysseus to resist the temptation of listening to the Sirens’ song, and instead to focus on his ultimate goal of returning home. Tiresias’ advice is a timeless lesson for anyone who wants to succeed in life, but also wants to remain humble, virtuous, and true to oneself.

The Challenge: Fear vs. Growth

The fear of being friends with great men is not uncommon. Many people who aspire to greatness or who admire successful individuals can experience feelings of envy, insecurity, or inadequacy. They may think that they are not good enough, that they don’t belong, or that they may be exposed as frauds. Alternatively, they may feel that the expectations and demands of great men are too high, and that they cannot meet them.

However, this fear can also be an opportunity for growth. By facing their fears, people can learn to appreciate their own strengths and weaknesses, and to develop new skills and attitudes. They can also learn from the experiences and wisdom of great men, and apply them to their own lives and goals. In this sense, being friends with great men can be a transformative and rewarding experience, that can lead to personal and professional breakthroughs.

The Solution: Three Ways to Overcome the Fear

If you want to overcome the fear of being friends with great men, you can try the following strategies:

• Develop a growth mindset: Instead of seeing challenges as threats, see them as opportunities for learning and improvement. Embrace the power of “yet” – “I don’t know this yet”, “I haven’t achieved this yet”, “I haven’t become this yet”. Keep pushing yourself to grow and evolve, and focus on progress, not perfection.
• Cultivate humility: Remember that greatness is not only about achievement, but also about character. Being humble means recognizing your limitations, your mistakes, and your vulnerabilities, and being open to feedback and criticism. Don’t be afraid to ask for help, to admit your weaknesses, and to apologize for your mistakes. These are not signs of weakness, but of strength.
• Show up authentically: Don’t try to impress great men by pretending to be someone you are not. Be honest, genuine, and respectful. Share your values, your interests, and your aspirations. Listen actively and empathetically, and be willing to challenge and be challenged. Great men appreciate authenticity, and can help you discover and express your own unique voice and vision.