Look at people for an example, but then make sure to do things

Hear, O children of wisdom and seekers of the path, the words of Queen Latifah, who declared: “Look at people for an example, but then make sure to do things your way. Surround yourself with positive people.” In this teaching lies both humility and strength, both reverence for those who came before and courage to walk one’s own path. For life is not lived in isolation—we learn by observing, we grow by imitating—but true greatness is born only when the soul takes its own shape, guided by positivity and courage.

The meaning of these words rests upon balance. To look at people for an example is to acknowledge that we are not the first to walk this road. Those who lived before us—heroes, saints, teachers, and even ordinary men and women—leave behind patterns that can guide us. Their mistakes become our warnings, their triumphs our inspiration. Yet if we only imitate, we become shadows of others. Queen Latifah warns us, therefore, to also do things your way—to let the spark within find its flame, to let your own voice be heard, and to walk in authenticity.

The origin of this wisdom lies in Queen Latifah’s own life. Rising as one of the earliest female voices in hip-hop, she had many examples to look at in a world dominated by men. Yet she could not simply copy their style; she had to do things her way, bringing strength, dignity, and the voice of women into the arena. By doing so, she carved a place not only for herself, but for others who came after her. And throughout her journey, she held fast to the importance of surrounding herself with positive people, for no soul can endure long if it is burdened by voices of doubt, envy, or despair.

Consider the story of Mahatma Gandhi, who studied the wisdom of ancient India, the teachings of Christ, and the philosophy of Tolstoy. He looked at people for examples, drawing strength from many traditions. Yet he did not imitate blindly. Instead, he forged his own way—nonviolent resistance—an approach unique to his time and his people. And because he was surrounded by companions of positive spirit, his movement endured ridicule, prison, and violence, until at last the chains of empire were broken.

Mark also the life of Eleanor Roosevelt, who lived under the shadow of her husband’s presidency. She might have remained only as First Lady, imitating the roles of those before her. But she chose instead to do things her way, becoming a champion for human rights, justice, and equality. And she, too, gathered around her people of strength and positivity, creating a circle that multiplied her impact. Her life stands as a reminder that we honor examples not by copying them, but by letting them awaken our own path.

O seekers of tomorrow, learn this: you will always be shaped by those you walk beside. If you dwell among cynics, their poison will seep into your soul. If you stand among positive people, their courage and hope will lift you higher than you could rise alone. Choose your companions with care, for they are the soil in which your roots grow. And while you draw wisdom from others, remember always that your life is your own: no one else can live it, no one else can sing it.

Practical wisdom calls you: study the lives of the great and the humble alike. Ask, “What can I learn here? What mistake must I avoid? What strength can I adopt?” Then turn inward and ask, “What is mine to do? What is my unique voice, my unique calling?” Walk boldly in that direction. And all the while, surround yourself with those who encourage, who uplift, who remind you of your light when you forget it.

Thus remember the counsel of Queen Latifah: “Look at people for an example, but then make sure to do things your way. Surround yourself with positive people.” This is the way of wisdom: to learn, to adapt, to be authentic, and to walk in fellowship with those who radiate strength. Live so, and you will not only honor the examples of the past, but you will also become an example for the future—one whose light will guide others long after your own journey is done.

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