The Nature of Uniqueness and Societal Value

I would like to believe that each of us possesses innate gifts, abilities, and talents that make us unique and special. From a Christian perspective, God sees all of us as special, each person crafted in His image. Yet, it is difficult not to notice that some men and women appear to be made more special, with extraordinary futures planned out in advance, while the rest of us seem to exist merely to fill space, without any remarkable role or capacity.

The Influence of Media on Perception

Often, the media showcases those individuals deemed to be exceptional, elevating them above the majority. For instance, Mayor Elect New York Zohran Mamdani, a democratic socialist and Muslim,

has been highly publicized in recent months. Although I know little about him beyond the fact that he is married, young, and disliked by conservatives for his radical views on taxing the rich, the media has lifted him and his wife to a new level of celebrity. This phenomenon is not unique to him; there are countless others whom the media and culture place on pedestals, presenting them as the next saviors or the next big thing, implicitly positioning them above the rest of society.

Another prominent example is President Donald J. Trump. Over the past decade, he has been portrayed as a figure whose presence commands global attention—a supposed savior for the United States, promising to end illegal migration and rid the country of those he labels as criminals. The power of media, especially social media, amplifies the words and actions of these individuals, often leading society to view them as messiah-like figures, artists, or leaders destined to revolutionize our world.

Society’s System of Valuation

This leads to a critical question: Are these individuals genuinely more valuable and worthy, or is this simply a reflection of the world’s system of valuation? Most of us live our lives quietly, taking care of ourselves and our families, working to make a living, yet rarely achieving recognition as important or influential.

I find myself in this category—feeling like a “nobody,” especially in the literary world where my books have made no significant impact. Unlike Stephen King or Tom Clancy, I am Joe Meyer or Joseph Gutierrez. I am drawn not to celebrity, but to being a person of value, making an impact. Yet, I feel I have failed to accomplish that for most of my life.

There are people who seem born to be known as special. I am not one of them. Perhaps being considered special is overrated and nothing more than an illusion.

Reflections on Recent Events

Recent news of Dallas Cowboy Marshawn Kneeland’s suicide has prompted further reflection. I had no prior knowledge of who he was because I do not follow sports, but the media highlighted his importance. Kneeland was talented, young at only 24, and wealthy—yet he chose to end his life.

While no one can truly answer why someone with so much would do this, I understand that despite being told from a young age that he was talented, he may have struggled with feelings of unworthiness. I relate to this, having grown up feeling average yet yearning to be considered more.

Struggles with Self-Worth and Legacy

I feel I have failed to reach my full potential and be truly seen. If I were meant to be recognized, it likely would have happened in my twenties or early thirties. Now, in my mid-forties, I sense that my professional value has diminished as youth is increasingly prized. The prevailing sentiment is that it is time for my generation to step aside for the new.

Why do I worry about this? Deep down, I wish to leave a legacy—a remembrance of a man who made an impact, but who has failed to do so. Are some people truly destined to be great and known as special? Apparently, yes. I believe there are those who are more intelligent and talented than the average person.

As for myself, I struggle to identify my own talents or what makes me unique. This is likely the negative side of my mind speaking. My family, especially my wife and daughter, would disagree, but in my mind, there are far superior fathers and husbands out there.

Today I continue to struggle comparisonism and have so for many years and I live in the past too much. As I look to those who younger, who appear to have it together and who are making something of themselves, I failed to do that in my twenties and thirties and or my employers failed to see my true value which hasnt helped me either.

I can say that most of us want to be sucessful in this life, but it could sucesss is over rated and maybe I just need to be like “The Dude” and stop caring so much, it seems to work for many today.