Tiger Woods, professional golfer, 50: "If you have the opportunity to be a role model, you should always take it"

"If you have the opportunity to be a role model, I think you should always take it because you can positively influence a person's life, and that's what I want to do. That's what it's all about."

Tiger Woods, one of golf's most recognizable figures, made that statement about the responsibility that comes with public influence. The article revisits it after Woods became embroiled in a controversy this week when his driver's license was revoked for driving under the influence of alcohol.

The renewed attention to the quote reflects a tension at the heart of public admiration. Success does not mean only winning tournaments, collecting titles or being celebrated. It also means that other people watch, learn, imitate and draw motivation from the figure they admire.

The article says Woods's message does not idealize idols. Visibility exposes public figures to mistakes, contradictions and setbacks, but imperfection does not remove responsibility. Anyone with a platform or a position from which they can inspire should use it consciously.

That idea also extends beyond celebrities. A role model can influence people in a family, workplace, school or friendship through discipline, respect, generosity, patience or the ability to start again. Woods, whose full name is Eldrick Woods, is described as a professional golfer and businessman who achieved global fame young, won multiple major tournaments and was repeatedly named Player of the Year. His career also included injuries, surgeries and highly publicized personal scandals.

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If you have the opportunity to be a role model, I think you should always take it because you can positively influence a person's life, and that's what I want to do. That's what it's all about.