Watch out for those who care too deeply about the opinions of those they are trying to gain something from (business, prestige, etc). If you watch them closely, they don’t respect those who they feel are “beneath” them. The problem is, sometimes these people can deceive others – tricking them into thinking that they are kind and generous, but really, it is all for show. Often times they give to charity only as a means to improve their social status with whomever they are trying to impress. They wear a figurative mask to cover up their true self because their true intentions are ugly and only of self-interest.
We all do this to some degree, but some do it more than others. Today, take the time to reflect how you are treating others. When are you wearing your mask and when are you your true self? Hopefully you have no mask and what people see is what they get. But really, ask yourself, “Do I act differently in front of those who have more status than me? How do I act or react to those closest to me? Am I treating them with the same amount of respect as the people in power? Do people know who I really am? Or do they just see my mask?”
Samuel Johnson once said, “The true measure of a man is how he treats someone who can do him absolutely no good.” Take that to heart. Be kind to everyone. Hope for the best for others. Give, be charitable, love, and care for those around you. And please, don’t just do this for show. Don’t do it only so that you get recognition from others. Do it because it’s the right thing to do.