What's in a title?

At the heart of these titles is a strong sense of inflated self-worth and immense self-confidence. Consider how Muhammad Ali, who claimed the title, “The Greatest,” bragged, “My only fault is, I don’t realise how great I really am!” Ali-like-people adore titles. They subscribe to C. JoyBell C’s view; “If you have a horse… you should sit on it…stroke its hair, whisper on its ear, be one with it. And you shouldn’t feel sorry if other people don’t have one.” Substitute horse with title and revel at the intriguing metaphoric rendition.

Some titles accord their bearers an unearned right to veneration. Ironically, title-bearers are always keen to accept the exaltation that comes with the title, but often fall short of societal expectations. Rather than embrace the whole package, they tend to confine acceptance of titles to selfish hogging of the limelight, while dismally failing to fill the legitimate anticipation aroused by the title.