Humpty Dumpty had a great fall...
While for some this nursery rhyme of no more than four lines offers momentary comic relief – think banana peel kind physical comedy – others find comfort in the implication that failure too can be that personal agency. It offers an opportunity to review, revise and reflect. Be better, smarter…
As far as I am concerned, I believe Humpty Dumpty is the manifestation of our inflated ego, hence the ‘fall' is necessary. Because only when our ego is bruised will we find the ability to look beyond the distorted image of ourselves and get a clear perspective of who and what we actually are, and eventually build a stronger self.
But, as usual I am drifting from the point. And the point, rather a question, is why do faults in our role models and celebrities make them more endearing to us? I am referring to the 674-word feature ‘Imposter Syndrome can be a superpower' on When an artist of Dame Helen Mirren's stature admits to being plagued with self-doubt and that constant fear – unfounded or otherwise – that one day her inadequacies will be exposed and will be the cause of her downfall from the pedestal, she becomes a mortal, like you and me and therefore more endearing.
Humpty Dumpty is the manifestation of our inflated ego, hence the ‘fall’ is necessary. Because only when our ego is bruised, will we find the ability to look beyond the distorted image of ourselves ...
What is then even more inspiring is that celebrities such as Helen show courage. They don't hide behind their botoxed, smooth veneer or well cultivated poise. Instead they create an honest narrative about their struggles and prove that while no pedestal is sturdy, what is more important is what you did after the ‘great fall'.
Let me know what you think...