"I do not think, sir, you have any right to command me,
merely because you are older than I, or because you have
seen more of the world than I have; your claim to superiority
depends on the use you have made of your time and experience."
Charlotte Bronte
A highly educated person is not automatically a brilliant scholar. The educated need to share what they learn, to make application or to demonstrate in terms understood by others. Ancient wisdom survives generations, but does not enhance the lives of others if it is not communicated in a decipherable language.
When a mentor or peer talks down to those who are listening, a distance is automatically created. The gap in the exchange allows for a disconnect and enhancement seeps away. The wise soul is the one who can lower or heighten his level of communication with a determination to successfully be understood.
No matter who we are beggar or prince, we contain a message for the world. We can choose not to condescend, and to unite on common ground with respect. For some, the message is unspoken so our hearts need to be open. It is when we listen to each other on common ground or catch a glimpse of a reflection that moves us to tears, there is no need for superiority nor commands.
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