Never touch your idols - the gilding will stick
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The phrase “Never touch your idols - the gilding will stick” serves as a powerful reminder that the individuals we idolize and look up to are not perfect. It suggests that by placing these individuals on a pedestal and holding them to such high standards, we run the risk of being disappointed when we ultimately learn of their flaws and shortcomings. While it is natural and even healthy to find inspiration and motivation from others, the phrase cautions against placing individuals on an unreachable pedestal, instead encouraging us to embrace our own imperfections and to recognize that nobody is infallible.
However, it is not only about the idols that we admire, but also the way we perceive and understand the world around us. The phrase also highlights the importance of being realistic and understanding that there is no such thing as a perfect person or situation. When we idolize someone or something, we tend to see only the good, the beauty and the success, and ignore the truth, essence and essence of the events.
This idea of not touching the idols also applies to our own self-perception. We often put ourselves under pressure to live up to the ideals we see in others, but this can lead to disappointment and dissatisfaction when we inevitably fall short. It is important to remember that everyone has their own flaws and imperfections, and it is unrealistic to expect ourselves to be perfect.
The phrase also touches on the sadness of being realistic and how it can be difficult to accept that life is not always beautiful, good and successful. But, it is important to remember that it is through facing and accepting the difficulties of life that we grow and become stronger. It is through understanding the truth, essence and essence of events that we can learn to appreciate the good and the beautiful in life in a more authentic and meaningful way.
In the realm of philosophy, there are certain thought experiments that challenge the way we think about the nature of identity, change, and continuity. One such thought experiment is the paradox of Theseus’s Ship, an ancient puzzle that has intrigued philosophers for centuries. At its core, it raises profound questions about what it means for something—or someone—to remain the same over time, even when it undergoes significant changes. 
In life, we all face challenges. Whether at work, in relationships, or in the pursuit of personal goals, problems are an unavoidable part of the journey. These obstacles can test our patience, resilience, and growth. However, some people seem to create their own problems—sometimes without even realizing it. They may subconsciously make choices that lead to unnecessary difficulties or adopt a mindset that attracts more conflict. Then, they take on the role of the victim, acting as though life has been unfair to them. This behavior not only creates emotional strain for those around them but is also deeply harmful to the person doing it. Why? Because those who play the victim of their own problems always lose. They lose control over their lives, their potential for growth, and their ability to change their circumstances. 
The saying “If you’ve become arrogant, you no longer need another enemy.” carries profound wisdom about the dangers of arrogance and how it can become a person’s greatest adversary. Arrogance blinds us to our own flaws, prevents us from learning from others, and often isolates us from those who could help us grow. When we allow arrogance to take hold, we sabotage our own success, relationships, and personal growth, making external enemies unnecessary—our worst enemy becomes ourselves. We become so consumed with self-importance that we fail to recognize the opportunities for improvement and connection all around us.