Meg's thoughts that people associate with like minds (3.29.01) reminds me that people often idolize like minds as well. Daniel Boorstin's thoughts on celebrity: "...the celebrity is usually nothing greater than a more-publicized version of us." If our associates and idols are mirrors, how can we ever change our reflections? Seung Sahn said, "The one who praises you is a thief. The one who criticizes you is your true friend." And Amazon.com said, "people who like this book also purchased..."
I'm not sure if that relates to idolizing like minds. When I think about the people who I idolize, it is the people who are iconoclasts and are willing to take the unpopular route if the status quo doesn't fit with their beliefs. People like Abe Lincoln and Kathie Lee Gifford (ok, maybe not her).