"Même sur le trône le plus élevé du monde, nous sommes seulement assis sur notre propre derrière"

No matter how high you climb or how prestigious your position, you're still just a person like everyone else. This idea is simple: our humanity and fallibility don't change with our status. Whether you're a king, a CEO, or a famous artist, you're still grounded in the same basic human experience.

Historically, this sentiment has been echoed in various cultures and eras. Think of the ancient Roman practice where a servant would whisper "Memento mori" in a general's ear during a triumph – reminding him of his mortality despite his glory. It's a humbling realization that no matter our achievements, we are all fundamentally the same.

Imagine a CEO of a massive corporation. She might have the corner office, the impressive title, and the power to make decisions that impact thousands. But at the end of the day, she's just like the rest of us. She goes home, wears comfy pajamas, and worries about her family and personal life. She has moments of doubt, just like you and me. Despite her high-status position, her core human experiences remain unchanged.

So how do you apply this wisdom? Start by recognizing your own humanity and the humanity of those around you, regardless of their status. Treat everyone with respect and don't put people on pedestals. Sure, you can admire them, but remember they have their own struggles and flaws. Keep your ego in check. No matter how successful you become, stay grounded and humble.

Let’s paint a picture. Imagine you're at a high school reunion. You spot Joe, the guy voted "Most Likely to Succeed." He’s now a renowned neurosurgeon, saving lives daily. It’s easy to feel a bit starstruck. But then you chat with him, and he mentions how he can't seem to keep his house plants alive no matter what he tries. And suddenly, you’re on the same level again, laughing about how impossible it is to keep those succulents from wilting. That’s the essence of the quote – no matter the heights we've reached, we're all just trying to figure it out, sitting on our own bottoms.

When you recognize this truth, it changes how you interact with the world. You become more empathetic, more patient, and less judgmental. It helps in leadership too. The best leaders, after all, are those who understand and remember what it’s like to be at the bottom, because they know that the view is fundamentally the same. They lead from a place of connection, not superiority.

So next time you’re feeling intimidated by someone’s success or feeling overly proud of your own, remember this quote. It’s a great equalizer. It reminds us that beneath the titles, accolades, and thrones, we are all just humans – trying our best, dealing with our flaws, and, yes, sitting on our bottoms.