The Double-Edged Sword of Credibility: When Excellence Provokes Envy
Have you ever tried so hard to please someone? To be helpful, only to be told it’s not enough? To give your persistence, consistency, and diligence, yet still feel inadequate? This tests your credibility.
There was a day I took my master’s tasks as my own. I filled his cups, watched his plates, and even put food on his table. The master had flaws, but I ignored the wisdom of the elders. My efforts earned me fame in the eyes of the people—so much that the master himself sought to destroy me. He accused me of making him look useless. In the end, he imprisoned me.
This aligns with Law 1 of The 48 Laws of Power: "Never Outshine the Master." The book speaks volumes about credibility. But here’s the truth: Credibility—being trusted, competent, reliable, and authentic—doesn’t always matter in the bigger game.
Take Nicolas Fouquet, Louis XIV’s finance minister. He threw lavish parties in the king’s honor, using money approved by the king himself. Yet, because Fouquet became the center of attention, Louis XIV accused him of theft and imprisoned him. Fouquet was credible, but not wise. The master’s jealousy is inevitable. Humility, in such moments, is survival.
In my own story, I served my supervisor with loyalty and respect during my finals. I carried her bags, volunteered as her PA, and amplified her influence—even enduring anger and insults from peers. One leaked a video of me, but I stood firm. Though scared, I remained loyal. My supervisor saw my value but never felt threatened because I never outshone her. She became an icon, and I worked with her until I moved on.
The Lesson?
"Never outshine the master" is wise, but never at the cost of your mental health, emotional peace, or self-worth. Execute this law with calm precision. Inferiority may creep in, but handle it with foresight and accuracy.
As Machiavelli knew: Credibility alone won’t protect you.
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Ariyo Joseph Ayobamidele
🔬 Future Surgeon | 🎨 Science Communicator | ⛓ Blockchain-Funded Med Student
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Oh yes, you bet I have been there. Already as a small kid drilled into that regime. It was never good enough. You know what my eyeopener was? The housekeeper saying: Don't you notice that if something should be done, they always ask you? They know you are the only hard, loyal worker.
It's not about outperforming the master, but about the "master" with very low self-esteem and a lack of skills, afraid that this will be noticed.
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