Moral Story - You Are Only A Man [Read]

Marcus Aurelius hired a servant to walk behind him as he made his way through the Roman town square and the servant's only job was to whisper in his ear, when people praised him, 'you're only a man. You're only a man.'

Some let money, fame and power "get to their head." These three things can alter a person's perception of the world, cast a spell over someone's feelings and have an impact on the initial course that one's heart might take. These three things can also completely change a person's life and for that, they are just as dangerous as they are beneficial.

Many people think that they are G-ds or superheroes. Invincible, indestructible and never-wrong doing. They have a blurred perception and assume that fame permits an arrogant superiority or that wealth allows one to develop a personality filled with belittling and boastful comments and derogatory statements. But in reality, we are only men. Emperors, presidents, royal nobility, the Pope....they are all merely human beings. And so as humans, we sometimes are forgetful of the trait of humility.

In some ways, humility is about first realizing and then constantly remembering that you cannot succeed on your own. Knowing that others play a role in your life, in your success and in any endeavor you chase after is opening your eyes to the reality of how the world works. Yes, a brainiac might come up with a great invention that the world has never seen (the list goes on from Einstein to Jobs and more to follow), but that idea, no matter how brilliant it may sound, will become nothing if not for the help of some many others along the way - supporters, investors, clients, buyers, consumers. Without them, this idea concocted in a creative mind will stay locked away and remain in a dingy basement somewhere. Having an idea is only the first step.

Convincing someone to publish your book, having a good PR person or publishing house to then convince bookstores and sellers to buy it and ultimately getting your book in the hands of a consumer - none of it is a solo flight.

There is a way to enjoy money, wealth and power and to bask in the efforts of all our labors without turning into arrogant individuals that brag about what they have instead of just enjoying it. If it makes you happy and you can afford it, buy the expensive car, wear that name brand handbag that you saved up for. Just be modest in the sense that you remember all those who were there helping along the way and give credit where credit is due.