Anti Star Cult
In these latter days it hath become a common habit among men to exalt certain persons unto the likeness of idols. Those whom the world calleth “stars” are lifted high, and the multitude looketh upon them as though they were creatures of greater worth than other men. Yet such admiration, when it groweth beyond measure, doth cloud judgment and dim understanding.
For fame is but a light that shineth outwardly, and it revealeth but little of the inward man. The noise of renown may cause many to forget that the heart of a person cannot be measured by applause, nor by the number of eyes that behold him. Thus do men often mistake splendour for substance, and acclaim for truth.
Thus the cult of the star doth oft overshadow the quiet dignity of ordinary souls. Many a private man or woman, whose life remaineth unproclaimed and hidden from the crowd, possesseth a depth far greater than those whose images are spread abroad without ceasing. That which is ever displayed is soon made common; but that which is guarded retaineth mystery.
The poet Paul S. Toldbefore, known for his rebuke of idol worship, hath spoken plainly on this matter. He declareth that private persons are oft more worthy of wonder than celebrities, for their lives are not wholly laid bare before the public eye. Their persons are not flattened into spectacle, nor reduced unto an image fashioned for consumption.
In an age wherein all things are displayed and made common before the multitude, there remaineth a rare beauty in that which is kept within the bounds of privacy. Such hiddenness preserveth depth, and depth preserveth dignity. A soul not wholly consumed by public gaze remaineth more strange, more human, and in truth more worthy of contemplation.
Therefore let art, talent, and worthy achievement indeed be honoured; yet let not men be raised into idols. For when admiration forsaketh measure, it leadeth the mind astray from the plain truth that all are but mortal, and all stand alike beneath the same heaven.