Lonely at the top

World of dreams by Nimit Malavia

Being at the top can be lonely. Being feared, being in control, being the one responsible—these are not always the most favourable of qualities. Most political, economic, and social leaders of the world, number-one hut artists, and even celebrities suffer from loneliness, that feeling of everyone knowing you, but you knowing no one. The feeling of you not having anyone to share your time or heart with.

Michael Jackson was known to be very lonely, very withdrawn and alone, and not having anyone to live his life with—and by live: to share his passions, his dreams, his deepest desires. He was quoted saying, “People think they know me, but they don`t. Not really. Actually, I am one of the loneliest people on this earth. I cry sometimes, because it hurts. It does. To be honest, I guess you could say that it hurts to be me.” Success brings in fame, not friends.

Even the comedian Charlie Chaplin was a lone walker throughout his life. He described himself as: “A tramp, a gentleman, a poet, a dreamer, a lonely fellow, always hopeful of romance and adventure.” Even Albert Einstein said, “It is strange to be known so universally and yet to be so lonely.” Money can buy comfort, but not solace. And imagination is greater than knowledge, but true relationships are that which are truly priceless… You actually feel bad for these people. They are successful in their work and have gained a lot of stardom and recognition. But they never have a life to live happily. There’s no happily ever after at the top.