Origin In Tenants’ Song: 1984
In 1984, the band Tenants popularized the quote “never meet your heroes” in their song. The exact lyrics of the song are not widely known, but this phrase from their song quickly caught on and became a popular expression.
While the song might not have gained much fame, the memorable quote embedded itself in the cultural lexicon.
Other Early Instances Of The Expression
Aside from Tenants’ song, there are a few other early instances of the expression being used. In 1984, Anthony Holden wrote a story that included the quote, and in the same year, a letter to the editor appeared in Keyboard magazine, using the phrase.
These instances indicate that the expression was beginning to gain some traction within popular culture.
Uncertain Origins: A.S. Neill’s Quote
While the origins of the expression itself are unclear, some attribute the oldest instance of a similar sentiment to A.S. Neill, the founder of Summerhill School.
Unfortunately, the exact source and date of Neill’s quote remain uncertain. Nevertheless, it is interesting to consider that the saying may have roots dating back to Neill’s time.
Popularity In The Late 1980s
It was in the late 1980s that the saying “never meet your heroes” really started to gain popularity. The expression was being used in various contexts such as films, books, and articles.
Its rise in popularity suggests a shared experience among people, where meeting their heroes often resulted in disappointment when their flaws were exposed.
Meaning: Exposing Heroes’ Flaws
The essence of the saying is that meeting one’s heroes often leads to disappointment. This disappointment stems from the realization that the individuals we idolize are not infallible or perfect.
When we meet our heroes, their flaws can become apparent, leading to a shattered image of perfection that we had constructed in our minds. It reminds us that everyone, no matter how commendable, has their shortcomings.
An Adage Expressing A True Experience
Considered an adage, the saying “never meet your heroes” expresses a generally true experience that many people can relate to. It encapsulates the common phenomenon of feeling let down by the people we admire when they fail to meet our lofty expectations.
This shared experience contributes to the widespread use and understanding of the quote.
Inspiration From “Madame Bovary” Novel
The original quote that inspired the saying “never meet your heroes” can be traced back to the French novel “Madame Bovary” by Gustave Flaubert. While the exact wording may differ, the sentiment of caution against meeting our idols is present in the novel.
Flaubert’s exploration of the disappointment that can arise from idealizing someone and then discovering their flaws serves as a precursor to the popular expression.
Differing Interpretations By Johnny Depp
It is worth noting that not everyone interprets the quote “never meet your heroes” in the same way. Johnny Depp, for instance, has expressed a different stance.
He claims not to have been let down by meeting his heroes, viewing the experience as a chance to learn from them rather than being disillusioned. This difference in interpretation shows that people may have varying perspectives on whether meeting one’s heroes leads to disappointment or not.
In conclusion, the quote “never meet your heroes” originated in Tenants’ song in 1984, gaining popularity throughout the late 1980s. Anthony Holden’s story and a letter to the editor in Keyboard magazine in the same year further contributed to the expression’s spread.
While the exact origins remain uncertain, the adage expresses a commonly shared experience of being let down when our idols’ flaws are exposed. Whether inspired by A.S.
Neill’s quote or the cautionary themes in “Madame Bovary,” the saying continues to resonate with people, although interpretations may differ.
