MSc in Artificial Intelligence & Life Coach I’m working as a machine learning engineer in Amsterdam and started personalised coaching 6+ years ago. My personal and professional development benefited considerably from coaching (e.g., switching from electrical engineering to machine learning). Consequently, I’m a strong advocate for motivating people to experiment with coaching. I have typically time for 1-2 clients. Avid interest in AI Alignment, (practical) philosophy and meditation.
Feel free to reach out to discuss perspectives on AI, AI projects or coaching.
Thanks for sharing your perspective in this well-written form. I agree that naive trust and idolising people can be hurtful and dangerous. Since even the people we consider virtuous and admire the most are just humans and thus imperfect, it is important to keep that in mind.
On the other hand, I believe that a nuanced view of possible idols or role models can be very useful for inspiration, guidance and growth. Despite having shortcomings, those we admire can provide a lot we that can learn from and that we might want to cultivate ourselves.
As Seneca points out: “Without a ruler to do it against, you can’t make crooked straight.”
I think he argues well for the importance of having (nuanced) reference points to compare the line/quality of our character with.
So rather than disposing of idols and role models altogether, I propose to be more nuanced and to pick and choose the admirable character traits and qualities that are helpful to you.