"Si l'homme se fait ver il ne doit pas se plaindre lorsqu'il est piétiné."

When you lower yourself or let others walk all over you, don't be surprised when they do just that. It's a lesson in self-respect and assertiveness. If you act like a doormat, people will treat you like one.

This idea goes back to the 18th century and the German philosopher Immanuel Kant. He wasn't just talking about literal worms, of course. It was a metaphor for people who fail to stand up for themselves. The message is clear: you’ve got to value yourself if you expect others to value you.

Let's bring this to life with a real example. Imagine Sarah, a talented graphic designer. She’s new at a company and wants to make a good impression. So, she starts saying yes to everything—late-night projects, extra tasks, even covering for colleagues. At first, it seems like she’s making herself indispensable. But soon, her workload is crushing, and she's getting burnt out. What’s worse, her teammates start dumping their work on her because they know she won’t say no. Sarah’s a worm in Kant’s metaphor, and now she feels trampled.

So, what’s the practical takeaway here? It’s about setting boundaries. You’ve got to know your limits and communicate them. If Sarah had respectfully declined some of those extra tasks, she’d have kept her energy and earned respect. People would see her as someone who values her time and skills, not someone they can take advantage of.

Think about it in your own life. Maybe at work, you’re the one who always picks up the slack. Or perhaps in your personal relationships, you constantly put others’ needs before your own. It’s admirable to be helpful and considerate, but if it’s at your expense, it’s time to reassess.

Here’s a relatable story. Picture a guy named Mike. He’s the friend everyone leans on. Need a ride to the airport? Call Mike. Moving to a new apartment? Mike’s your guy. He never says no because he’s afraid of letting people down. But after a while, Mike feels exhausted and unappreciated. His friends don’t even thank him anymore—they just expect his help. One day, Mike decides he’s had enough. He starts politely setting boundaries: “I can’t drive you this time, I've got plans,” or “I’d love to help, but I’m really busy this weekend.” Surprisingly, his friends respect his honesty and start appreciating him more. Mike’s life becomes less stressful, and he still manages to be a good friend on his own terms.

In essence, don’t be the worm. Remember that your time and energy are valuable. Stand up for yourself—kindly but firmly. It’s not about being selfish; it’s about self-respect. When you show people that you value yourself, they’re more likely to value you too. So next time you’re tempted to take on too much, think of Sarah and Mike. Their stories are reminders that balancing kindness with assertiveness isn’t just possible—it’s essential.