Men despise one another and flatter one another; and men wish to raise themselves above one another, and crouch before one another.
 Marcus Aurelius, Meditations (c. 170 - 180). copy citation

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Author Marcus Aurelius
Source Meditations
Topic despise wish
Date c. 170 - 180
Language English
Reference
Note Translated by George Long
Weblink https://www.gutenberg.org/files/15877/15877-h/15877-h.htm

Context

“For what evil is it to thee, if thou art now doing what is agreeable to thy own nature, and art satisfied with that which at this moment is suitable to the nature of the universe, since thou art a human being placed at thy post in order that what is for the common advantage may be done in some way?
14. Men despise one another and flatter one another; and men wish to raise themselves above one another, and crouch before one another. 15. How unsound and insincere is he who says, I have determined to deal with thee in a fair way!—What are thou doing, man? There is no occasion to give this notice. It will soon show itself by acts. The voice ought to be plainly written on the forehead.” source