Neither
let us envy those who are in high places: the heights that look lofty to us are
steep and rugged.
Again,
those whom unkind fate has placed in critical situations will be safer if they
show as little pride in their proud position as may be, and do all they are
able to bring down their fortunes to the level of other men's.
Some insist
that being rich is the problem, while others insist that being poor is the
problem, but the Stoic will point out that, whatever the situation we find
ourselves in, being too proud is the problem. What we have or do not have is
only as good or bad as our attitudes.
Some look
up with jealousy at those who have, and some look down with disdain at those
who have not, and through it all we are forgetting that people are made to look
at one another face to face.
Sadly,
there is a certain condescension that can too readily accompany wealth and
social status, and it is easy to be tricked by it, wherever we stand in the
pecking order. We all know that look of smug contempt, the one that pays just enough
attention to be hurtful, but not enough attention to make you think that you
matter. It stems from a sense of entitlement, and it expresses itself to others
as a careless indifference.
I once
met the Republican governor of my state, and at another time I met a Democratic
candidate for the Presidency, and they both had that same look. Most of the
abbots, bishops, and archbishops I have crossed paths with were much the same.
I was surprised by how easily I felt intimidated by them.
But being
all the way up there is not all it’s cracked up to be. I have occasionally gotten
to know so-called privileged folks, and beneath the shiny surface they end up
being no different than the rest of us. They are capable of both great good and
great evil, and it will ultimately be their moral sense that determines their
true human standing.
It is the
content of character that is the great social equalizer.
What
seems a privilege actually ends up being a responsibility, even a burden. Much is given to such
people, but they must see their gifts as a call to service, and they must not
lose a common bond with all their fellows. They will be tempted to make themselves
as big as they can be, but they will only follow Nature by making themselves as
small as they can be.
If I were
ever to become rich and powerful, I would hope I could still be happy to look
someone in the eye, and not expect him to kiss my ring.
Written in 10/2011
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