"Men who look upon themselves born to reign, and others to obey, soon grow insolent"

When people see themselves as naturally destined to rule over others, they often become arrogant. This idea is pretty straightforward, right? When someone believes they're inherently superior, they tend to treat others with disdain.

Historically, this mindset has been evident in many monarchies and dictatorships. Think about the divine right of kings, a political and religious doctrine that asserted that a monarch's right to rule was directly from God, not from any earthly authority. Louis XIV of France, for example, famously said, "L'état, c'est moi" (I am the state). This sense of entitlement led to a level of arrogance that ultimately disconnected him from the needs and struggles of his people.

Let’s dive into a real-life example to make this clearer. Imagine a CEO who believes they are the backbone of their company, and that the employees are just cogs in the machine. They make decisions without consulting anyone, assuming their vision is the only one that matters. Over time, employees feel undervalued and unappreciated. They might start slacking off, or even quit. The company suffers. The CEO, who once thought so highly of themselves, is now scrambling to fix a sinking ship. The arrogance that came with their self-perceived superiority blinded them to the value and contributions of their team.

So, how can we apply this wisdom in our daily lives? Start by recognizing the value of humility and respect. If you're in a position of power, whether it’s at work, in a community group, or even in your family, remember that everyone has something valuable to offer. Engage with people, listen to their perspectives, and appreciate their contributions. You don't want to be that boss or leader everyone dreads. Keep your ego in check.

Now, let’s get into a relatable scenario. Imagine you're a team leader for an important project. You’ve got a pretty good track record, and you’re confident in your abilities. There’s a temptation to just call the shots and expect everyone to follow. But then, you notice Sarah, a team member, has been quiet in meetings. Instead of brushing it off, you decide to ask her opinion. Turns out, Sarah has a brilliant idea that could really elevate the project. By valuing her input, not only do you improve the project, but you also boost team morale. Sarah feels seen and appreciated, and the whole team benefits from a more collaborative atmosphere.

Remember, it’s easy to fall into the trap of thinking you know best, especially if you’ve had some success. But real leadership is about elevating others, not just yourself. Think of it as cultivating a garden. You need to nurture every plant, not just the ones that look impressive at first glance. That way, you create a thriving, beautiful environment where everyone can flourish.

So, next time you’re in a position of authority, take a step back. Listen more. Value the people around you. It’s not about being the king of the hill—it's about making the hill a better place for everyone.