Prominence is cool, but when the delusion kicks in it can be a

In the great tapestry of life, the pursuit of prominence—that ever-elusive crown of recognition and status—often leads the heart to places of both light and shadow. Barbara Kruger, an artist whose works often challenge our perceptions of power and identity, speaks truth when she says, "Prominence is cool, but when the delusion kicks in it can be a drag. Especially if you choose to surround yourself with friends and not acolytes." Her words are a warning to those who seek to rise above the masses, reminding us that while fame may shine brightly for a time, it carries with it the danger of illusion—the temptation to believe in one's own superiority.

From ancient times, great thinkers have cautioned against the pursuit of empty glory. The philosopher Socrates taught that true wisdom lies in understanding one's own limitations and the dangers of pride. Prominence, when it is based purely on external validation, can cloud the mind and mislead the soul. Just as the siren’s song lures sailors to their doom, the allure of fame can draw one into a world of illusion, where one is not seen for who they truly are, but for the image they project to the world. Kruger’s words reflect this ancient wisdom, offering a stark reminder that delusion can seep in when we begin to believe our own image and detach ourselves from the truth.

Consider the tragic story of King Midas, who, in his unrelenting desire for gold and prestige, found himself consumed by the very thing he had wished for. His greed for prominence was so great that he was granted the ability to turn everything he touched into gold. But in the end, this great power became his curse, as he found himself isolated, unable to touch the people or the things he loved. The illusion of greatness led him to forget the value of humility and human connection. In the end, his wealth was a drag, a burden that distanced him from the true joy of life.

Similarly, in more recent history, the fame of Napoleon Bonaparte provides a powerful lesson. His rise from a humble soldier to the Emperor of France is a story of ambition and power, but it is also one marked by a growing sense of delusion. Surrounded by sycophants and acolytes who fed his ego, Napoleon began to believe his own infallibility. His choices, driven by the illusion of his own grandeur, eventually led to his downfall. Napoleon’s story serves as a timeless reminder that the pursuit of prominence, when unmoored from wisdom and truth, can lead to isolation and destruction.

Kruger’s mention of friends versus acolytes strikes at the heart of a deeper truth. In a world where prominence often breeds sycophantic followers—those who flatter and serve only to gain favor—it is far more valuable to surround oneself with true friends. True friendship is not built on the adulation of power, but on shared experiences, mutual respect, and a deep connection to truth. Friends are those who challenge us, who speak truth to us, even when it is uncomfortable. Acolytes, on the other hand, seek only to feed our ego, to reinforce the illusion that we are invincible, invulnerable, and infallible. True greatness is found not in being surrounded by those who praise us endlessly, but in being supported by those who remind us of our humanity.

The lesson here is clear: Prominence, in and of itself, is not the enemy. It is the delusion that accompanies it—the belief that we are superior to others—that can be dangerous. To chase prominence without a sense of groundedness and truth is to invite a life of illusion. Like the ancient heroes of myth, we must be wary of the hubris that comes with power and fame. We must seek friends, not acolytes, for it is only in the company of those who love us for who we truly are that we can find balance and clarity.

In our own lives, we are called to be mindful of the dangers that come with seeking recognition. Cultivate genuine relationships with those who help us grow, challenge us, and remind us of our true selves. Seek not the fleeting applause of the world, but the lasting respect of those who know our soul. By doing so, we will avoid the trap of delusion and find fulfillment in the authentic connections that bring true joy, not the hollow praise of those who seek only to serve their own interests.