All icons, people and symbols outside on the stage are just that. They can , however be used as communication devices where there is a common ground of what those symbols suggest. We do it with math, language, etc. We use metaphors to make our points and to share our ideas.
(not sure why that word would be bolded...lol)
In the infamous thread, I used Gandhi in reference to his vegetarian sensibilities. Einstein has similar sensibilities.
These kinds of views get noticed.