I agree that too much hero worship is not a good thing. I rarely participate in such things.
But, I will present a different angle on this.
When I look around at life, the world, and people I am forever and increasingly amazed at the sheer variety of the quality and quantity of intelligence, creativity, imagination, and hard work. I admire, respect, and appreciate these things in all their many forms, whether it involve music, writing, dance, building a company, raising a child, or . . . anything. The variety of ways that the spark of creative life flows through humanity, and through each human being, continually impresses itself upon me. I am grateful to be here, and to be able to experience this as it manifests through all others.
So, when I look at what Karen does, or what Veda does, or what Hoaxie does, or what Magoo does, or what Emma does, or what Marty does, or what so MANY others do here on ESMB and elsewhere, I DO consider them to be "little heroes". I do NOT "worship" them, but I do admire them for the extra they do and add. A few days ago TAJ wrote a brilliant post on how Scientology exists as a Nietzschean cult. Just as so many others here, he does what he does in a very unique and special way, in a way that no other person does, and that adds wonderful flavor to ESMB.
I was reading a few posts by TGI this week, and I really noticed and appreciated how incredibly perceptive and intelligent the information was (and also how perceptive and intelligent the poster was).
I don't mean to leave anyone out, as there are so MANY posters who add a SPECIAL and UNIQUE angle to what is discussed here.
At one extreme I truly feel a connection with all other people, and I see myself in them, and them in me. On THAT level we ARE "all equal". But, this equality thing can pushed too far. In fact, no two people are equal, not ever, not in terms of their unique blends of strengths, weaknesses, experiences, views, and so forth. Equality is largely an idea that does not exist anywhere in nature. On the physical plane, where all things suffer from the cycle of birth and death, there cannot be found one example of "equality". Equality factors in when one moves towards the spiritual.
But, from another view, I also very much recognize the individual brilliance of certain individuals here on ESMB who do jump out above the rest due to their own unique blend of creativity, intelligence, wit and so forth. While I don't worship Hoaxie, I do very much recognize his added special contributions to ESMB, and I have no doubt that compared to others, he has helped a great many more people break through their own Scientology layers of mental confusion than most others. I have no problem recognizing unqiue excellence. I think to deny it is a bit . . . of a form of denial.
In the same way, while I don't worship Veda (and consider him "God"), I do very much admire and appreciate all of the work he/she has done to put together the "public service announcements", and the time he/she takes to post them in appropriate places on threads. That activity, in its own way, goes beyond the call of duty. I have no doubt that many a lurker has been helped by those activities.
No single poster possesses or present the "complete picture" or the "whole truth" (though at times some seem to think that they do). Each presents an aspect, an angle, or a certain unique but limited view. But, some views have more in terms of quality and quantity than others. It just is what it is. Some may disagree.
There are so many here who add a special something through their own unique combination of hard work, care, intelligence, experiences, and creativity.
I recognize all, but also, I recognize those who "take that extra step" and "do a bit more than the others". Focusing too much on individual achievement can turn into hero-worship, but also, failure to recognize individual excellence is equally flawed. Some do more than others, here and elsewhere, and without judging that in any way, it is a fact.
By the way Claire, I entirely agree, that when I meet any person in person, I treat them as any other person. Any thought about who or what they are is quite meaningless to me. As an example, many years ago when I drove a taxi in NYC, I often picked up really BIG celebrities (Bull Murray, Liza Minelli, etc.). I NEVER even let on that I knew "who they were". I just talked to them, with whatever they wanted to say or talk about. With Liza, at the end of the ride, which was fairly long, I gently let on that I knew who she was. She actually THANKED ME for NOT filling the conversation with puffed up ideas about WHO she was. She aid that she felt so GOOD that I talked to her just like any other person, without all the adoration and hero-worship. I actually, went out of my way NOT to mention that I knew who they were, as it seemed to always make them more comfortable.