The true praise

Congratulations, they say. But admit it: You think they’re dumb.

We live in a society that promises us we can be whoever we want to be. Once given a chance, we make our own names, form an identity, create a branding to ourselves, and win awards, should experts deem us deserving. Of course, greater visibility in society has a validating effect to our existence. We are sung, celebrated, and praised for our performances, efforts, and fruits of our own geniuses.

In an age where the Internet has afforded us with greater connection through social media, it cannot be denied that the comment section of a single post containing a photograph or proof of the perceived success is littered with “Congratulations!” remarks. To the stupid, those remarks are important; but to the serious, they are not. The serious does not know them. They’re nobodies, not in the sense that he represses or dismisses their existence, but in the very fact that they simply cannot penetrate what he has done nor what he is thinking of.

What then is a true praise?

A true praise is that which goes into niceties of an effort, a grand effort. The more one is immersed in a subject, the greater the detail is known to him. A serious successful person does not delight in mere praises. He would desire commonplace of opinion, constructive criticisms, and mutual depth about the matter.

So if we are to praise someone, do not just say, “Congratulations!” and then forget the matter. Go into further details: the tiny, oft-dismissed ones.

Forget the ones who are hungry for social visibility, elevation, and status.