"Men reject their prophets and slay them, but they love their martyrs and honor those whom they have slain"

People have a confusing way of dealing with those who challenge their views and those who suffer for them. The core idea here is that society often dismisses and even harms visionaries who bring new ideas or challenge the status quo. Yet, ironically, after these individuals are gone, people mourn their loss and celebrate their courage and sacrifices.

Historically, this pattern has repeated itself countless times. Think of how figures like Jesus Christ, Martin Luther King Jr., and even Galileo faced fierce opposition during their lifetimes. Jesus was crucified, King was assassinated, and Galileo was silenced by the church. But now, they are revered; Jesus is worshiped by millions, King has a national holiday in his honor, and Galileo is celebrated as a pioneer of modern science. This shows a bizarre cycle where society first rejects what it does not understand or fears, only to later embrace and glorify it after the dust has settled.

Let's take Nikola Tesla as a real-life example. During his life, Tesla struggled with gaining support for his ideas. He was often overshadowed by his contemporary, Thomas Edison, and died nearly penniless and relatively unknown. Tesla's ideas about alternating current (AC) were initially met with skepticism and even hostility. But today, Tesla is hailed as a genius ahead of his time. There are cars named after him, and his contributions to electrical engineering are widely acknowledged and celebrated. Society's shift from hostility to admiration is striking.

So, how do you apply this? First, understand that if you're advocating for a new idea or challenging established norms, expect resistance. It’s almost a given. But don't let it deter you. Realize that the same people who criticize you now may very well celebrate your vision in the future. Stay committed to your principles, even when it's tough.

Imagine this scenario: You’ve come up with a revolutionary app that could change how people manage their mental health. You present it to investors, and they dismiss it as impractical. Friends think you’re wasting your time. It’s discouraging. But you believe in your app’s potential. You refine it, push through the criticism, and finally, it catches on. A few years later, it's a massive success, and those same investors regret not backing you. Your friends boast about how they knew you.

In simple terms, society has a hard time with change. People are comfortable with what they know and fear what they don't. So, if you’re bringing something new to the table, brace for a bumpy ride. But think about the long game. Your ideas might just be what the world needs, even if it doesn’t realize it yet.

To sum it up, if you find yourself in the shoes of a modern-day prophet—unappreciated and misunderstood—remember that history shows us a pretty consistent pattern. Today’s pariahs can become tomorrow’s heroes. Keep pushing forward. Your moment of recognition might come when you least expect it.