I think I understand where Einstein was coming from. Being idolized sets up a barrier between you and others and requires you to constantly live up to your image.
On the other hand, society as a whole benefits from having idols to look up to.
the man had it right. Everyone should be evaluated on their own attributes. If they are a shining star, as some are, they should be respected for that quality but certainly not idolized.
Unfortunately. mass media these days makes idolization and, conversely, demonization only too easy to accomplish