The Higher the Climb, The Greater the Fall

I don't ever remember them telling us or teaching us that the only way we could be more successful is if other people were less successful.  They never inculcated the belief that somehow, in order for us to climb the ladder, other people have to come down from the ladder.   ~ Mark Rubio


When I was a child, a priest or minister spoke the words of God and therefore, never questioned.  The family doctor's diagnosis was not to be scrutinized and never would a family seek a second opinion.  Politicians ruled the world without being held responsible for decisions nor actions.

In today's world, the internet is a super highway for information.  Very little happens or goes undetected, leaving very little room for moral discretion.  It is my observation that the more public you are, the greater the risk of both temptation and discovery.

We are all human beings which equates to having both strengths and weaknesses.  The trouble seems to begin with the ego becoming inflated creating an attitude of being above others and not having an equal playing field.  Phrases like, "It's a dog eat dog world," does not hold truth for me.

Years ago, I read a magazine article about two men who were both millionaires ... I suppose by now they are both billionaires.
One millionaire reflected a world of success but 'beating out' others and competiveness requiring him to 'step on other peoples toes'.  It was no surprise to read that he felt it was very lonely on the top and continuously felt the need for high security as protection from younger partners, competitors, and employees.  The other millionaire stated how thankful he was for loyal employees and grateful for his mentors.  He claimed that his success had been a group effort which he could have never accomplished on his own.  He reciprocated kindness to workers who fell on hard times, by paying unexpected medical bills or assisting with other life challenges.  Once when the economy took a dive, he was destressed to lay workers off for a week, but repaid them with bonuses when times turned good.  When one of the factories burned to the ground, the majority of the employees voluntarily appeared every day to help with the clean up and new construction.  When asked, employees shared their sense of family within the business.

As human beings, we all have choice.  We each decide how we want to navigate through life.  Those few who make it to the top of the ladder with ego billowing in the clouds seem to eventually topple ... politicians, men of the cloth, doctors, athletes, and even you and me.  There is nothing wrong with competition, if it is honest.  There is nothing wrong with being driven as long as it hurts no one.  It is lonely at the top of the ladder only when we have lost touch with our fellow human beings.

If we truly respect each other, celebrate our diversity, and maintain a personal code of conduct surely our world could be thriving, healthy, and peaceful.  If we join our ladders together we reduce the risk of a great fall.