Marcus Aurelius: Do not let yourself become an emperor…

Success can quietly change the way we listen. A promotion, praise, expertise, or influence may invite us to believe ordinary rules no longer apply. We interrupt more readily, make every decision about ourselves, and treat people as tools for our plans. Marcus reminds himself that status is not character. Whatever authority you have today—over a team, a household, a project, or simply your own schedule—use it without becoming inflated by it. Be direct without being harsh. Give credit freely. Do the unglamorous part of the work. Seek advice from people who have little reason to flatter you. Life is brief, and titles pass quickly from one person to another. What remains more securely yours is the way you treated people and whether your abilities were used for something beyond your own comfort.