They Were Humans Like You

Stop putting men or great leaders in history on a pedestal, but don’t diminish their impact either. At the end of the day, they were just humans like you, and they made both massive impacts and massive mistakes.

Sometimes, the media paints these figures on two extremes—either putting them on a pedestal to make them gods or casting them into hell to make them demons. I choose to think of them as fascinating humans who reveal the boundless limits of what we can conceive and achieve.

You can match and surpass their achievements; they were men and women just like you. Their stories are testaments to human creativity, grit, talent, mindset, vision, and relentlessness—all of which you are capable of. Do not make them gods and diminish your own possibilities and potential. Don’t make them demons either, dreaming too small for fear of becoming like them.

You are unique. Draw inspiration from them, learn from their mistakes, and study their experiences. Build on their shoulders, for they built on the shoulders of the giants who came before them. You can outdo them. Learn the leadership skills, see and feel the sacrifices, and cultivate the attitude. You are capable of growth far beyond what they reached. You can cement your name in history as well.