We live in a culture that is obsessed with attention, fame, and significance. This becomes all the more obvious when one peruses the tabloid magazines stands, watches the entertainment sections of the nightly news, or considers the recent explosion of outlets on the internet for the sharing of personal information and self-created videos. People want to be noticed by others, sometimes at terrible cost.
It is a common challenge of young people especially to “live up to their potential.” This idea emphasizes the need to make the best of life – the encouragement to succeed with one’s pursuits and one’s ambitions. Although this is most commonly associated with careers, (such as being successful in business or being a professional such as a doctor or lawyer), this can also be manifest in various arts or sports. In essence, we want people to do the very best they can with their own particular talents and abilities – no one wants to see a young person “waste” the life they have been given.