Pedestal

The concept of putting someone on a pedestal is often linked to various aspects of human psychology and relationships. It involves over-idealizing someone, which can lead to unrealistic expectations and pressures, both for the person doing the idealizing and for the person placed on the pedestal.

In one discussion, Stephen West explores how people often elevate other individuals or objects to the status of transference objects, where they become symbols within one's personal beliefs system. This act of deification can lead to a misplaced reliance on these objects or people for self-worth and identity validation, often as a way to cope with fears such as insignificance and death1 .

Mark Groves and Kylie McBeath discuss the personal ramifications of pedestalizing others in relationships, emphasizing how this can make someone lose themselves. They argue that by placing a partner on a pedestal, one may create an unreachable standard that ultimately diminishes one's self-esteem and can overshadow the reality of who that person truly is2 .

Leila Janah addresses the issue from a societal perspective, challenging the idea of hero worship. She mentions how turning leaders into saint-like figures can absolve individuals from acting morally themselves, as they feel these figures are uniquely equipped unlike them. She stresses that no one is a saint, pointing out the flaws in well-known figures to remind us that everyone is human and capable of both good and bad3 .

Understanding these dynamics can be crucial in personal development and fostering healthier relationships by recognizing and appreciating the imperfect, human qualities in others rather than setting unrealistic standards.