Do not laugh at other people’s dreams, even if you are a hero.
Today, I happened to watch an interview with Elon Musk, which inspired me to write this article.
Dreams are the deepest and most genuine desires of the human spirit, reflecting our hopes for the future and our search for purpose. However, many dreams are dismissed as unrealistic, or worse, ridiculous. As seen in the video, the heroes of Elon Musk disregarded his dreams and belittled them openly. But even though you are a hero who has achieved great success with your own dream, you have no right to judge the dreams of others. If a person has a true sense of compassion and love for others, they will naturally respect and support the dreams of those around them, feeling a sincere joy in seeing others pursue what they believe in. This is not only an act of kindness but also a measure of one’s own character, a reflection of the highest form of love.
Every Dream Deserves Respect
The true value of a dream lies not in how impressive it appears to others, but in its roots in a person’s sincere desires. For some, a dream might involve building a successful career, reaching the top, and earning widespread admiration. For others, it could be as simple as owning a small business and finding contentment in the quiet joys of everyday life. Regardless of the scale, every dream reflects an individual’s quest for meaning and their unique sense of purpose.
When those we call « heroes » reach the height of success, they may forget that they, too, were once ordinary dreamers who faced doubts and skepticism. But every dream has its own value, independent of how the world sees it. No matter how accomplished someone becomes or how highly others regard them, they should never look down on the dreams of others. True respect comes from within, through an understanding of the effort and dedication that fuel every dream, no matter how small or large.
A Hero’s Greatness Lies in Embracing Diversity
Every dream is unique, and mocking someone else’s dream is essentially a rejection of individuality and diversity. The reason why we call certain people « heroes » is not only because of their accomplishments but because of their ability to embrace and understand diversity. Respecting others’ dreams is a recognition of the varied paths people take in life, and a show of understanding and support for their choices.
In reality, many dreams once considered « unrealistic » have ultimately brought about significant change. Albert Einstein’s theory of relativity was once met with skepticism, and Vincent van Gogh’s paintings were not appreciated during his lifetime. Yet, these dreams went on to change the world. The greatness of a hero lies not only in their own achievements but in their willingness to support the dreams of others.
True Love is Respecting and Supporting Dreams
When we truly love someone, we understand and support their dreams, and we feel genuine joy in seeing them pursue their goals. Respecting someone’s dreams is an elevation of love—it is love in its truest form. A perfect example of this is the relationship between filmmaker Ang Lee and his wife. In his younger years, Lee devoted himself to pursuing a career in film directing, spending long periods without a job, writing scripts, and raising children at home. Throughout this time, his wife supported him without complaint, helping him build the career he later achieved. For Lee, his wife was a true source of love and support, and he deeply appreciates the respect and understanding embedded in that love.
Of course, the essence of love doesn’t lie in how much we can help others achieve their dreams, but in whether we can respect their choices and encourage them to keep moving forward. Many people are considered heroes not only because they live in their own glory but because they give strength to others—helping those without dreams see the value of dreaming, and offering hope and a vision of the future to those who already have dreams.
Rejoicing in Others’ Dreams is a Reflection of Our Humanity
True heroes do not take pride in their own achievements; rather, they find joy in sharing the dreams and successes of others. When we respect and celebrate someone else’s dream, we’re not only supporting their personal goals, but also witnessing the shared human pursuit of happiness and meaning. This joy for others’ dreams reflects a profound kindness and compassion within us. It is with such love that a society becomes more inclusive, creating space for everyone to find their own happiness.
A powerful example of this is the Indian film Dangal, based on a true story. In a society that discriminates against women, the father in the film chooses to respect and support his daughter’s dream of becoming a wrestler, ultimately helping her become a champion. As he tells her, « You’re not just fighting for yourself, but for millions of women to see that a woman’s path is not limited to just being a wife and mother. » Supporting someone’s dream is, at times, also supporting the progress of society and the elevation of culture.
Respecting others’ dreams is a reflection of the moral and human growth we strive for, and it represents the highest form of love. Every dream born of goodness deserves respect and appreciation because it carries the aspirations and relentless efforts of the dreamer. When we learn to truly love the world and others, we will naturally respect everyone’s dreams and rejoice in their achievements. This attitude, rooted in morality and humanity, not only makes the world a better place but also opens our hearts, making us more generous and loving.
