The first recorded modern usage of the term can be traced to a book entitled «Les Aventures de Telemaque», by the French writer François Fénelon In the book the lead character is that of Mentor. This book was published in 1699 and was very popular during the 18th century and the modern application of the term can be traced to this publication.
This is the source of the modern use of the word mentor: a trusted friend, counselor or teacher, usually a more experienced person. Some professions have «mentor programs» in which newcomers are paired with more experienced people in order to obtain good examples and advice as they advance, and schools sometimes have mentoring programs for new students or students who are having difficulties.
Today mentors provide their expertise to less experienced individuals in order to help them advance their careers, enhance their education, and build their networks. In many different arenas people have benefited from being part of a mentoring relationship, including:
- Business people – Freddie Laker mentored Richard Branson
- Politicians – Aristotle mentored Alexander the Great
- Directors – Martin Scorsese mentored Oliver Stone at New York University
- Actors – Mel Gibson mentored Heath Ledger
- Musicians – Johann Christian Bach mentored Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart
- Athletes – Eddy Merckx (five-time Tour de France winner) mentored Lance Armstrong (seven-time Tour de France winner). Bobby Charlton mentored David Beckham
Maybe you know some famous people using a mentor?
Read more her: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mentor