Seneca, On Peace of Mind 10.6

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