Why not? The word guru doesn’t necessarily have negative connotations for me. This isn’t a gripe over lexical definitions. I think most of the nine people listed could have been described as a guru—the last certainly was. They had devoted followers and imparted their knowledge to them. A guru does not a cult create—that honour’s reserved for those who aren’t comfortable with the prospect of being usurped or overtaken.
I have limitless admiration for someone who can teach all they know, and look on with nothing but pride as their protegés go on to surpass their achievements. I know I’d have trouble with that.
“So long as I’m not actually a guru.”
Why not? The word guru doesn’t necessarily have negative connotations for me. This isn’t a gripe over lexical definitions. I think most of the nine people listed could have been described as a guru—the last certainly was. They had devoted followers and imparted their knowledge to them. A guru does not a cult create—that honour’s reserved for those who aren’t comfortable with the prospect of being usurped or overtaken.
I have limitless admiration for someone who can teach all they know, and look on with nothing but pride as their protegés go on to surpass their achievements. I know I’d have trouble with that.