One of the clearest indicators of character lies in how someone interacts with those who have no power over them. Think of the waiter at the restaurant, the cashier at the grocery store, the janitor cleaning the floors at night, or even a stranger asking for directions.
When a person shows kindness and respect to people in these roles, it reflects a core of empathy and integrity. It shows they don’t measure another person’s value by status or wealth, but by shared humanity.
On the other hand, when someone dismisses, insults, or ignores those they consider “beneath” them, it often reveals arrogance, insecurity, or a lack of moral depth. No matter how charming that person may appear in social circles, their treatment of the powerless tells the real story.
Older generations know this instinctively. Many of us were taught by parents or grandparents that true respect is universal. You don’t pick and choose who deserves kindness—it is offered to everyone, especially those who may not be able to give you anything back.
2. How a Person Handles Frustration and Adversity
