In a world where power is money and money is power, it can be incredibly difficult to stay on the right course and not sell your soul to achieve. I am an aspiring businessman and politician, and my mother always says, “Never forget your roots and where you came from.” These words of advice from a wise woman can help anybody in their day-to-day lives, regardless of career. This idea, though simple, is indispensable if you want to attain success while maintaining principle as an individual.

Today’s political and business climate leaves a lot to be desired. Many politicians lose sight of whom they represent, and make decisions that satisfy their personal desires or donors. They forget, or choose to forget, who put them in a position of power in the first place. We, as constituents, have a right to principled leaders who are held responsible by the communities in which they represent. Legions of businessmen abuse their power and fail to treat their subordinates with the respect they deserve. The fundamental ideal of respect is one that we can all agree upon, and it is an essential basis for solving our every day problems. We have to keep in mind that, at the beginning of the day, we all put our pants on the same way. No person is better than another, and no one is so inferior that you cannot show him or her respect. Treat a janitor with the same respect that you would show the president. Demand respect for yourself. Showing somebody a little bit of gratitude goes a long way.

Money talks, and it can start to define people and their respective lifestyles. The clothes you wear, the house you live in, the car you drive and the job you occupy all serve as indicators to your personal success. As a collection, these materials signify, in some form, who you are as a person. At least, that is what society tells us. This idea is fundamentally wrong. It takes absolutely no money or power to be a decent human being. We all know jerks who think they’re better than everybody else because they have been dealt a better hand and have nicer things. Things don’t define people--their actions do.

Now, I understand that, as you’re reading this, you may think that I am possibly ripping the consumerism culture that is present in America. However, that is neither the point nor the purpose. The idea is to bring to light an idea, which is often a source of problems within our societal makeup.

To get back on track, it is essential to seek first to understand before judging someone. Everyone has had different experiences in their lives that helped shape the people that they are. Growing up in a small Midwestern farm town has taught me many of the things I talked about above. It is nearly impossible to enjoy life in a small town without showing others respect. Your actions towards people determine your reputation. If you don’t like your reputation, change your actions; it’s the single thing you can control.

At the end of the day, don’t forget the people who gave you the opportunities to succeed. Reciprocate their respect and good graces by passing it forward and being a leader of character and principle. I am going to do that. Are you?