Who are your idols?

[IBreatheSpears]

Who do you idolise? What are some characters, real or fictional, who have traits that you strive to embody?

Here are mine:

1. Arnold Schwarzenegger. This guy has just had the best life. He started out as an amateur bodybuilder and powerlifter. Then, he moved to the US and proved that he had brains and brawn - he became a millionaire just a few years older than me, by exploiting his bodybuilding success. Then he jumped into the middle of an acting career and made even more money, and finished by jumping into a political career. He's gutsy, relaxed and funny.
2. The character Odysseus from Greek mythology. He's strong and fearless but also cunning and sharp-witted. He is utterly dedicated to the pursuit of what he wants, to the extent that he spends an entire decade (after a decade-long war with Troy) trying to get home to his kingdom of Ithaca - whereupon his son helps him kill a hundred of his subjects for trying to seduce his wife.
3. Hoest from the Norwegian metal band Taake. He is a talented musician and completely unafraid of the judgements of others (writing what he wants about whatever he wants, including rape and Islam). An interviewer asked him about his prior convictions (for assault) and his answer was a small smile and "The police showed up too quickly". I don't mean to glorify violence but his reaction to an awkward question was very calm and showed a strong frame. He speaks slowly and uses humour. His stage presence is almost a caricature of dominance. He seems to have built a cult of personality around himself within the metal scene in a relatively short time.
4. Another fictional one; Geralt of Rivia from the Witcher books/games. The main thing I try to learn from him is not to second-guess and doubt myself. In the games, you can make a lot of questionable decisions which seem good at the time, but turn out to have been a bad idea. But the protagonist, Geralt, never once complains (although admittedly it would make for annoying gameplay if he broke down in tears every five minutes). He is always moving forwards and never loses sight of his goals. He never lets anyone get the better of him in conversation - he knows he's right and only ever allows his closest friends to tell him otherwise.
5. Finally, the poet Charles Bukowski. I don't really need to describe Bukowski; instead, I invite you to watch this video*. I think he went too far, but I love the way he initially answers her backtalk.

* they weren't actually married at this point, but engaged. They got married later.

 

[mangotot]

My idol is me and me alone. I would say for most people it should be their father rather then some random stranger you see on the tv or various media who cares jack s*** about you.

So Arnie was a record breaking bodybuilder who was able to move into Hollywood and acting before becoming a politician. Good for him and his family. What good is that to you other then saying 'wow, if he can do it so can I'

If someone has a particular skill which gives me enjoyment in some way such as Arnie and his movies. Thanks to him for providing the entertainment for myself and I acknowledge his skills but that's where it ends.

 

[IBreatheSpears]

Most of us here are here to learn from one another, and humans learn by emulation. You didn't start speaking all by yourself, you imitated those around you who already knew.

If you can't see the positive attributes of others and how they may be applicable to your own life, then you will be missing much until you happen to stumble upon it by yourself. But why learn from your own mistakes when you can learn from those of others?

 

[Skyline]

I'm with mangotot on this one.

I remember doing a project in high school about our idols and I was the only kid who put no one. I just felt, and still feel, that no one should be admired on a greater scale like that. Its true they may have certain admirable traits or have done certain great actions but I don't think I should grovel at them for that, its their life not mine. I may get a few pointers from them and be thankful but that's as far as it goes. And if someone has a certain trait or action, then just "steal it" from them and apply it to your personality/life.

 

[IBreatheSpears]

Who's groveling? Perhaps idol is too strong a word.

 

[Thundernuts]

Yeah because idolising is basically worshipping. A better question is who inspires you. Who's strengths do you want to portray.

 

[Bible_Belt]

http://archive.org/stream/andersonvilledia01rans/andersonvilledia01rans_djvu.txt

The Union officer who survived Andersonville and wrote that diary is my idol. That's the best story of American history I've ever read.

 

[Zapp Brannigan]

There's a few fictional characters I look up to for their DJ skills.

Boomhauer-Admire his confidence, and the way he doesn't get phased by rejection.
Jack Bauer-Very smooth with the ladies, always seems to have some lined up.
Steve Stifler-****y, and funny. Love how bold he can be.
Fox Maulder/Hank Moody-On and off screen David Dechovny is a good DJ.

 

[foreverAFC]

hulk hogan, mike mentzer, arnold schwarzeneger, charlie sheen, sakuraba