THE ILLUSION OF APPLAUSE

by Dr Abhishek Gilara

A blind person can be led in any direction. But sometimes, even those with perfect vision become blind—not to darkness, but to praise, attention, and applause.

It’s tempting to feel uplifted when treated like a VIP. The admiration, the spotlight, the cheerleaders who sing your praises—it all feels like success. It seems like a sign that you’re doing something right.

But pause. Look closer. Sometimes, the applause isn’t a celebration of your growth—it’s the camouflage of a trap.

In a world where perception can be manipulated, not every cheer is genuine, and not every admirer has your best interests at heart. You might believe you're walking toward your dream, while in truth, you're being subtly nudged toward a downfall.

A Cautionary Tale

Imagine a man driving a luxury car through unfamiliar terrain. There are no maps. No GPS. No known signs. Suddenly, strangers appear—welcoming, kind, offering directions, snacks, and friendly smiles. He feels valued. Celebrated. Supported.

But what he doesn’t know is this: they’ve already marked his car. Their intentions are masked behind charm. Every step of guidance is gently steering him… not toward safety, but toward a trap. At the end of that path? A jungle. A dead end. Betrayal.

The Deeper Truth

Here’s the lesson: Not all who clap for you are on your side. Not all who guide you are doing so with purity.

Praise can be a drug. It can dull your judgement, inflate your ego, and blind you to danger.

So ask yourself:

• Who’s applauding me—and why?

• What do they gain from guiding me this way?

• Is this validation—or manipulation?

Choose Wisdom Over Validation

True mentorship, true friendship, and true leadership don’t flatter. They challenge you. They warn you. They build you with truth, not comfort.

Stay alert. Trust your instincts. And always seek clarity beyond charm.

Because once you lose your discernment, you become blind. And when blind, you can be led—anywhere. Even into destruction.