Pygmalion

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Some success stories or testimonials of major life changes and accomplishments mention about an inspiring, encouraging or driving figure, who has been playing a crucial role within the metamorphosis of the individual. Or should I say within the liberation, revelation and expression of one’s true personality and potential.

Sometimes, this figure is a political leader, a religious eminence, a social dignitary, God, a Saint, a divinity, a writer, a philosopher, a singer, a teacher, a friend, a colleague, a lover, a father, a sister, a mother, a brother, a tutor, a coach, etc. For some, the influential person will be present during a whole life time, providing guidance along the path. For others, this special person will appear to mould, advise or monitor during a specific time, until the objective is attained.  

Different appellations are given to that critical other, among which Pygmalion. I found that this is especially the case when referring to a masculine mentor. But what’s exactly behind that label?

According to Greek mythology, Pygmalion was a Cypriot sculptor who carved a woman out of ivory. The statue seemed so realistic that he ended falling in love with it. So, eventually, he offered the statue and prayed Venus (Aphrodite) to bring the statue to life, which she did after taking pity out of him. 

More contemporarily, and based on this story, George Bernard Shaw will write a play that he will name “Pygmalion” (1912-13). The plot is about a professor making a bet that he can teach a poor flower girl to speak and act like an upper-class lady, which he will succeed at.  As a matter of fact, the film “My Fair Lady” (1964) is just another adaptation of Shaw’s work.

Interestingly enough, in psychology the term Pygmalion effect will be used for example to “refer to situations in which students perform better than other students simply because they are expected to do so. The Pygmalion effect requires a student to internalize the expectations of their superiors”. 

This leads me of course to ask how much can we let ourselves be (un)willingly/(un)consciously influenced by the expectations of others, whether they are beneficial or detrimental. And when we do, is it because we have, to a certain extent (and according to the type of driving figure), allowed ourselves to develop some sentiments or fascination towards that someone we end up putting on a pedestal?

In any case, I think that one can use of his/her predominance on another if he/she demonstrates a minimum of  charisma, credit, esteem, and magnetism.

Now, do we all meet our own Pygmalion? Have you? If so, in what circumstances?

Personally, I think I have…some time ago. And I can say that it has been an unforgettable experiment. 

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Tags: dominance, guidance, guide, improvement, influence, pygmalion