Above and Below: The Illusion of Status

“Men despise one another and flatter one another; and men wish to raise themselves above one another, and crouch before one another.”
— Marcus Aurelius, Meditations

In this brutally honest reflection, Marcus Aurelius exposes a core contradiction in human behaviour: our simultaneous craving for superiority and approval. We scorn others while seeking their praise. We chase power, yet submit to it. This isn’t just about politics—it’s a mirror held up to the social games we play, often unconsciously.

Stoicism calls this out as vanity. The desire to “rise above” or “crouch before” someone is rooted in misplaced value— placing worth not in character or virtue, but in status. Marcus reminds us: both posturing and pandering are distractions from true self-respect.

The Stoic response? Stand straight. Neither flatter nor scorn. Measure yourself only by your alignment with reason, integrity, and your inner duty— not by comparison to others.

Startups are filled with hierarchy games. Founders often swing between self-doubt and ego—idolising investors one moment, outmanoeuvring competitors the next. Marcus’s quote offers a sharp warning: beware the twin traps of flattery and resentment.

In good times, you might be tempted to inflate your worth, seeking admiration or playing king-of-the-hill. In hard times, you might find yourself bending too much—overpromising to clients, or silently resenting others’ success.

The antidote? Keep your posture steady. Focus on the work, not the approval. When pitching investors, be honest, not desperate. When winning, stay grounded—don’t gloat or look down.

True leadership isn’t about dominating or submitting. It’s about rising with others, not above them. Entrepreneurs who anchor their identity in values—not vanity—build teams and companies that endure beyond the games.