Have you noticed that the young rich in Hollywood like to alter their states?
What do you think the reason for that is?
Is it because they are rich and bored with life? Or is it because they want to change the way they feel?
I am always reminded of the late John Belushi when I think of tragedies in Hollywood. John Belushi was an American actor/comedian and musician. He became best known as one of the cast members of the hit sketch comedy show Saturday Night Live. You could say that his star status sky-rocketed, even though he spent a lot of years developing his talents. On the night of March 4, 1982, I’ve read that he was partying in a private club that catered to celebrities. The whole evening got out of hand due to his over-indulging. The party carried on all night and into the morning with many friends showing up and joining in the drug-filled adventure. Early in the morning John took a shower, but when he got out of the shower he complained that he felt cold, turned on the heat and went to bed. It was around noon hour when John’s physical trainer arrived for his session. He found John lying in the nude on his bed dead. John Belushi’s net worth when he died was reportedly over $500,000. Remember this was in 1982 and he was only 33 years old.
I tell you this story to show you that even with a lot of money it means nothing if you don’t have control of your emotions. This quest for altered states to me is a sign that a person does not have control of their emotions and are looking for the next ‘high’. A high can include drugs, alcohol, control over another person, getting attention and the list can go on.
What can you do today to take control of your emotions and write the finest chapter in your life?
Good question here Tim.
I have long pondered on whether the apparent high frequency of entertainment celebrities’ flirtation with drugs, alcohol and “altered” states is an effect of those professions.
Or is it a set of personality characteristics and values that causes them to seek fame in those industries and be successful, but also predisposes them to the quest for those altered states?
Cause or effect?
The question intrigues me because, although there are many well publicised cases of business and professional people going down the same sad road, it seems that the incidence is much lower.
Peter
Wonderful observation.
I believe the difference is that professionals usually don’t have enablers surrounding them. The professional have had to work hard and show discipline to become the success they’ve become, so they know what it takes to become and stay successful. While many of the young rich have numerous ‘yes’ people surrounding them and catering to all their wishes. Does this make sense?
Yes it does Tim, I agree that is part of the explanation, but I think it goes further.
Whilst some business leaders seek fame and publicity,they generally do so because of what they have achieved. And to promote their businesses, products or services.
Whereas, the celebrities in the entertainment world and the young rich seem to crave attention for who they are, not what they have achieved.
Perhaps to be successful in the entertainment world, one needs to be a narcissist, with all its potential for disaster.