Typically, when you look for role models, you want someone who

In the grand journey of life, we are constantly in search of guides—figures whose wisdom, courage, and character we can emulate. Neil deGrasse Tyson, in his wise reflection, offers a powerful insight: "Typically, when you look for role models, you want someone who has your interests and came from the same background. Well, look how restricting that is. What people should do is take role models a la carte. If there's someone whose character you appreciated, you respect that trait." These words invite us to broaden our horizons, urging us to see that true role models are not confined to narrow categories, but are those whose qualities inspire us, regardless of their background or circumstances.

In the ancient world, role models were often drawn from the mythic figures and heroes of legend—beings whose traits transcended the ordinary. Achilles, for instance, was revered not only for his strength in battle, but for his uncompromising resolve. Socrates, on the other hand, embodied the pursuit of wisdom and humility. Yet, these figures were not bound by the same ideals, and their virtues were often different from one another. What the ancients understood was that to seek one role model and follow them entirely would be to limit oneself, for virtue is not a single, unchanging ideal, but a mosaic of many qualities, each worthy of admiration. Tyson’s advice mirrors this ancient wisdom: we should not be confined to looking for role models who share our interests or backgrounds, but instead, seek the traits that resonate most deeply within us.

Consider the story of Alexander the Great, whose path to greatness was shaped not only by his own ideals but also by the many teachers and role models he encountered. As a young man, Alexander was mentored by Aristotle, who instilled in him a love of knowledge and philosophy. But Alexander’s character was also molded by his admiration for Homer’s heroes, the warriors who fought with both courage and honor. In this way, Alexander took from various sources the qualities that would best serve him, drawing upon the wisdom of philosophy, the bravery of battle, and the leadership of past kings. His success lay in his ability to combine different virtues, forging a path that was uniquely his own.

Tyson’s perspective also echoes the teachings of the great philosophers, who understood that growth is not linear or confined to one set of experiences. Plato, in his Republic, emphasized the importance of developing a diverse character, one that draws from many influences and seeks knowledge in all things. Similarly, Aristotle believed that the ideal man or woman was one who cultivated a broad array of virtues, from courage to temperance to wisdom. For them, no single teacher, no single figure, could embody all of these qualities. Instead, the student of life must seek out those who could provide the traits they needed to develop in themselves.

The idea of role models a la carte also suggests that we must be mindful of the qualities we most admire in others and seek to learn from them directly. Mahatma Gandhi, for example, was not only admired for his commitment to non-violence, but also for his humility, wisdom, and dedication to justice. In much the same way, Nelson Mandela is revered not just for his fight against apartheid, but for his resilience, forgiveness, and ability to bring unity to a fractured nation. These figures represent different aspects of what it means to live with integrity, and it is in combining their qualities that we, too, can grow into people of wisdom and virtue.

Tyson’s advice to select role models based on the traits we respect rather than common backgrounds or interests opens up endless possibilities for growth. It encourages us to cultivate a mosaic of virtues, drawn from different sources, and to be open-minded in our approach to learning. The lesson for us is clear: do not limit yourself to one narrow path or to figures who mirror your own life or aspirations. Instead, seek the virtues that you admire, and find those who embody them. Whether in leadership, bravery, kindness, or wisdom, the world is full of role models who offer something invaluable to our personal journeys.

In our own lives, let us embrace the diversity of virtue and excellence that surrounds us. Look beyond the surface, beyond the shared experiences, and appreciate the traits that others embody. By doing so, we will create a richer, more nuanced vision of what it means to live a virtuous life, and in turn, inspire others to seek the wisdom and qualities that resonate most deeply within themselves. Role models, then, are not confined to a singular path but are a collection of qualities, each inspiring us to be better, kinder, and wiser than we were before. Through this approach, we can cultivate a life of honor and integrity, always seeking to grow in the pursuit of excellence.