This article is inspired by Maximus’s article about putting other people down

In his article, Maximus observes that many people put others down because they do not understand the effort behind growth. There is truth in that observation. It is easier to criticise than to create. It is easier to mock ambition than to risk failure. While this may explain some instances of spite, I think that the cause of criticism lies deeper. Sometimes it comes from feeling threatened, sometimes from insecurity, and sometimes from living with a belief that everyone is their competitor.

Like stars in the sky, each person has their own “light”. One person’s shine does not make another’s fade, yet people often act as if success is a limited resource. When success is seen this way, another person’s achievement can feel threatening or diminishing. With a growth oriented approach however, success can instead be inspiring. It can be a sign of what is possible, rather than something to envy. By focusing on oneself, people can let others’ achievements inspire their own.

Growth comes from focusing on what one can build, not on what others lack. Stars do not burn brighter by extinguishing one another. Their brilliance comes from what is happening inside them, and human effort works the same way. Energy spent trying to diminish others is energy lost. The same one that could have gone toward developing skills.

But, not all criticism is spiteful, and not all competition is destructive. Constructive feedback can guide growth, and healthy rivalry can benefit both parties. But when a sense of self becomes tied to comparison, and when applause for others feels like a loss, it destroys the potential that one could have.

Some never clap for others, and that is why it will never be their turn.

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