"小さい者は常に偉大な者に依存している彼らが無理に同じくらい偉大になろうとするときだけ彼らはスノッブか横柄か俗悪である"

The idea behind this quote is that smaller or lesser entities, be they people or organizations, naturally rely on bigger, more influential ones. It's only when they try to pretend they're just as big or important that they come off as pretentious or obnoxious.

Picture this: think about a small startup company. They might depend on a well-established tech giant for partnerships or guidance. There's nothing wrong with that. It becomes a problem, however, when the startup starts acting as if they're already on the same level as the tech giant—when they haven't put in the time or effort to actually get there.

Historically, this sentiment has been relevant in various contexts. Take the feudal system, for instance. Lesser lords depended on greater ones for protection and resources. Or in a more modern context, think about smaller countries that rely on more powerful allies for economic or military support. But, it gets tricky when those smaller countries start flexing muscles they don’t really have—trying to play in the big leagues without the necessary credentials or backing.

Now, let's bring this a bit closer to home with a real-life example. Imagine you're at work. You're part of a small team within a larger company. Your team is doing great, but it’s still small and relatively new. One day, your team leader decides to start acting like you’re as influential as the company’s board of directors. They start demanding meetings with top executives, making grand plans without consulting anyone, and pushing around other departments. What happens? People start to see your team as arrogant and disconnected. Instead of earning respect, you lose it.

So how can we apply this bit of wisdom in a practical way? Stay humble. Recognize your place and build your way up. If you’re a small player, own it. Leverage your flexibility and your ability to make quick changes. Work hard, build relationships, and learn from those who are ahead of you. Don’t pretend you’ve made it when you haven’t—people will see through it.

Imagine you're at a neighborhood potluck. You’ve just moved in. You bring a dish, a simple but delicious potato salad. There’s a big family down the street who always hosts; they’ve been here for years and everyone knows them. Instead of trying to outshine them or mimic their grandeur, you just focus on making your dish the best potato salad it can be. People appreciate the genuine effort and the quality of what you bring. Over time, as you become more involved and build relationships, your contributions grow in value, and so does your standing in the community.

In essence, it's about balance and authenticity. Understand where you are, appreciate those who are ahead of you, and grow naturally. When you try to leapfrog without the necessary steps, you risk coming off as insincere or arrogant. And really, nobody likes a pretender. So, be genuine, work hard, and let your growth speak for itself. There's no shortcut to greatness—just a steady climb.