Have you ever turned your head over someone on the way to work just because they carry themself well? Admiration is a universal experience. We all have people we look up to, whether they’re historical figures, celebrities, mentors, or even close friends. But what drives this admiration? Why do we feel a sense of reverence, respect, or even awe towards certain individuals? The answer lies in both our psychology and our social nature.

1. Inspiration and Aspiration

One of the primary reasons we admire others is that they represent something we aspire to become. Their achievements, traits, or behaviors often reflect qualities we desire in ourselves. Whether it’s a world-class athlete pushing the boundaries of human potential, a successful entrepreneur with visionary ideas, or a compassionate leader making a difference in society, these individuals showcase the heights to which we, too, might reach.

Admiration serves as a psychological motivator. By seeing someone else excel, we are often inspired to challenge our own limitations and strive for growth. It’s a form of healthy comparison, one that pushes us forward rather than holding us back.

2. Values and Integrity

We tend to admire people who embody values we hold dear. Integrity, honesty, courage, and kindness are qualities that resonate deeply with us. When we see someone consistently living out these values, it fosters respect and admiration. These individuals often serve as moral compasses, helping us understand the kind of person we want to be in our own lives. Once I find myself admiring someone, I try to dig down deeper within myself to find out what it is I actually admire about this person. Most often than not, the qualities I am attracted to are those not of their physical qualities but by their values, how they spend their time and how they relate to others.

For example, when we admire someone like Nelson Mandela, it’s not just because of his political achievements, but also because he stood for principles like forgiveness, perseverance, and justice—values that transcend time and culture.

3. Overcoming Adversity

People who overcome adversity often earn our deepest admiration. It’s not just their successes that inspire us but the struggles they endured to get there. Stories of resilience and perseverance resonate with us because, on some level, we understand that life is full of challenges. Seeing others face obstacles and emerge stronger gives us hope that we can do the same in our own lives.

Figures like Malala Yousafzai, who survived an assassination attempt and went on to become a global advocate for girls’ education, or Stephen Hawking, who continued to advance scientific knowledge despite his battle with ALS, remind us that the human spirit is incredibly resilient.

4. Mastery and Excellence

We also admire people who have achieved mastery in their craft. Whether it’s a musician who can play an instrument with incredible skill, a scientist who makes groundbreaking discoveries, or an artist whose work moves our emotions, excellence captures our attention. Mastery shows dedication, focus, and an extraordinary level of commitment—traits that we both respect and envy.

This admiration often extends to our personal circles as well. We may admire a colleague for their professionalism or a friend for their unwavering dedication to their goals. These are reminders that excellence isn’t confined to fame or public achievement, but can be found in the everyday mundane things.

5. Connection and Empathy

Interestingly, we also admire people because they resonate with us emotionally. When someone shares a personal story that connects with our own experiences, or when we witness someone acting with empathy and kindness, admiration is often the result. This admiration is deeply tied to our social nature—humans are wired for connection, and we admire those who make us feel seen, understood, and valued.

Empathy often underlies the admiration for caregivers, activists, and individuals who work selflessly for the betterment of others. It’s not necessarily their accomplishments that draw us in, but their humanity.

6. Representation of Our Ideal Self

At the core of admiration is the idea of the “ideal self.” The people we admire often reflect aspects of ourselves that we want to nurture or develop. Admiration is less about placing someone on a pedestal and more about a mirror reflecting our own potential. When we admire someone for their courage, leadership, creativity, or wisdom, we are acknowledging traits we aspire to cultivate within ourselves.

Actionable Steps

Ultimately, admiration is a celebration of human potential. It highlights the qualities and accomplishments that elevate us as individuals and as a society. The people we admire become symbols of hope, excellence, and resilience—reminders that we, too, can rise to the occasion and make our mark on the world.

In a way, admiration isn’t just about the other person; it’s about what they awaken in us. They push us to grow, to challenge ourselves, and to live with purpose. And that’s why admiration is such a powerful and necessary part of the human experience because it helps us to see the best in others, and by doing so we are creating the best version of ourselves.

So the next time you find yourself admiring someone, remember that you’re not just acknowledging their greatness—you’re also recognizing the greatness that is already within you.