Rich vs. Poor
The comments in this thread on Friendfeed had me thinking about something I once read. It took me a few days to find it, but here it is. I think it’s especially apt in how both the valley and the outsiders perceive the echo chamber:
“When a rich man stumbles he is supported by a friend; when a poor man trips he is pushed down by a friend.
Many are the supporters for a rich man when he speaks; though what he says is odious, it wins approval.
When a poor man speaks they make sport of him; he speaks wisely and no attention is paid to him.
A rich man speaks and all are silent, his wisdom they extol to the clouds.
A poor man speaks and they say: ‘Who is that?’ If he slips they cast him down.”
Which leads me to one other iota of wisdom I’ve always kept to heart: “make fast friends with a man while he is poor, so you can enjoy his prosperity with him.”
Something to ponder.
