Others’ Opinions Cannot Assess Your Potential
If that one be prodigal,
Bountiful they will him call,
And with such-like flattering,
‘Pity but he were a king;’
But if Fortune once do frown,
Then farewell his great renown
They that fawn’d on him before
Use his company no more.
These lines are taken from William Shakespeare’s poem ‘Friends and Flatterers’.
Undoubtedly, it explores the nature of friendship and provides insight into how to distinguish between real friends and mere impostors.
The literary explanation ends here. But there is a deeper perspective, something that is experienced but not often discussed.
People’s opinions of you are never a reflection of your true abilities.
When the food is finished, people call the very same plate they were using to enjoy their meal moments earlier dirty. That is the brutality of life. Most people tend to treat everything as a commodity, even their fellow human beings.
No matter how virtuous or capable you are, in most cases, appreciation stems from your usefulness to others. Otherwise, they will turn their backs on you.
A practical example is the recent wave of tech layoffs because of AI expansion. Even employees who had devoted decades to certain companies and helped them achieve growth were let go on short notice. This didn’t happen because their skills were outdated. It happened because the organizations found a cheaper or more efficient alternative.
Those companies valued their commitment only as long as those employees were important to them.
In life, others’ attitudes toward you can change to suit their motives, and adversity is what sets well-wishers apart from selfish people. Those who genuinely recognize your value will support and encourage you during difficult times, even if you have stopped being useful to them long before.
Neither praise in prosperity nor criticism in crisis defines your potential.
So, you should learn to focus on yourself. You should not form a pessimistic impression of yourself when you face harshness during difficult times.
When you are filled with doubt or despair, analyze yourself by comparing who you are now with your past self. This will help you remember your strengths and also identify your flaws, which you can work to overcome.
If you were discarded, do not lose motivation. These hurdles are temporary. Your efforts, hard work, and dedication deserve better recognition. They will surely be recognized in the right place.
Keep moving ahead with the same determination, regardless of the obstacles you encounter.
Because a beautiful future awaits you…