During the days he was creating missiles, our ex-president APJ Abdul Kalam was asked why he was creating weapons of destruction? He replied, “Only strength respects strength.”
This is true in every aspect of our life. We can only partner with people who are equal to us. We do not see any ‘value-add’ in the time spent with people who are lower than us in stature.
On the other hand, if a person is above us, then it would be that person who will not see any value in us. Thus, only like-minded people of the same level can bond well together.
As the saying goes, ‘birds of a feather flock together.’ Chanakya gives a different angle to it. He says, “An equal should over reach, or help an equal.” (7.7.12).
The concept of an equal in Arthashastra is that of a Mitra, i.e., a friend. Thus, as quoted in the above verse, you should help your Mitra and reach out to him even before he asks for help.
There are many benefits of forging a partnership among equals:
Better understanding
People at the same level have a better understanding of each other—their mindsets, their thinking patterns, their approach, etc. One company’s general manager, who is in-charge of leading 400 people, will easily understand the problems of another firm’s general manager who is also leading a group of 400 employees. Similarly, a student of Ph.D will understand the constraints of another Ph.D student, even if they are from different universities. That is why even marital relationships is proposed for only those couples who have equal thinking, economic status and goals in life.
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