Does ignorance,insecurity, or incompetence sow the seeds of inferiority?

 What kind of people are these! Why do they do this, and how can anyone feel good about this ?

We’ve all met them—people who seem to get some strange satisfaction from making others feel small. They throw sharp comments, roll their eyes, or twist your words just enough to make you doubt yourself. It can happen at work, at family gatherings, or even in friendships. But the question that often lingers is why?  Why would someone choose to pull others down just to feel tall?   Let’s explore this in a simple, human way—without judging, but with the curiosity to understand.

1. The Empty Space Inside-:

Most people who insult others aren’t truly strong—they’re empty. Not empty in the sense of lacking possessions or achievements, but hollow in emotional balance. Somewhere deep down, they feel unnoticed or unimportant. Instead of working on that pain, they cover it with the illusion of superiority.

For example If you apply perfume to a foul-smelling area – it does not solve the problem, but for a while it has a soothing effect on the sense of smell rather than the root cause of problem just hides it

For instance, a boss who constantly criticizes his team might actually feel scared of being replaced. A friend who mocks your new hobby may secretly envy your courage to try something new. Their hurt shows up as harshness.

2. When Power Feels Like Oxygen-:

For some, making others feel small gives them a temporary sense of control. They mistake control for confidence. You’ll notice this especially in people who grew up in environments where they were made to feel powerless.

Imagine a person who was always blamed at home as a child. When they finally get a position of authority, they may subconsciously repeat the same behaviour to avoid feeling weak again. Their ego whispers, “If you make others feel small, you’ll never be small again.”

But this power never lasts long, it fades away when it is not observed or appreciated.

3. They’re Addicted to Reaction-:

People who enjoy demeaning others thrive on reaction. The sigh, the silence, the discomfort—it all feeds them. In a strange way, your hurt confirms that they still have an effect on the world.

It’s similar to how some people poke at a wound just to check if it still hurts. They want to feel alive, even if it’s through someone else’s pain. The irony is that the more they rely on others’ reactions to feel something, the more emotionally numb they become.

4. They Confuse Criticism with Cleverness

Many who demean others believe they’re being “honest” or “funny.” They mistake rudeness for intelligence and sarcasm for wit. In reality, it takes more strength to uplift than to tear down.

Have you noticed how some people can’t compliment others without adding a “but”?

“You look great today, but that colour doesn’t really suit you.” “That’s a good idea, but it’ll never work here.”

These small digs are disguised as smart comments, but they’re just insecurity in fancy clothes. They don’t realize that real intelligence is gentle—it never needs to humiliate to prove a point.

Q Why do some people find joy in demeaning others?

People who find joy in demeaning others often act from deep insecurity, emotional emptiness, or learned habits of control. They confuse power with respect and fail to see that their behaviour quietly erodes their own sense of goodness. 

5. The Fear of Being Ordinary

Some people demean others because they can’t handle feeling average. They measure their worth by comparison, so instead of running their own race, they trip others in theirs.

It’s like standing on a stool instead of climbing the mountain. It may give a higher view for a moment, but it doesn’t change the height of your character.

This fear of being “ordinary” makes them chase importance in the wrong way—by shrinking others instead of growing themselves.

6. The Forgotten Idea of Goodness

Goodness isn’t a loud word anymore. In today’s world, being “strong” is often confused with being harsh. But those who demean others have forgotten that goodness isn’t weakness—it’s depth.

They don’t realize that every act of unkindness chips away at something sacred inside them. Their idea of goodness is quietly groaning under their feet, trying to remind them:  “You don’t need to break others to prove you exist.”

The saddest part? Life has a way of bringing everyone face-to-face with the very pain they caused. Those who mock vulnerability eventually find themselves craving compassion. Those who humiliate others often face moments of humiliation themselves. It’s not punishment—it’s life’s gentle attempt to teach empathy.

7. How to Deal with Such People

You can’t change someone who isn’t ready to look inward—but you can protect your peace.

Here’s how:

Don't give them the response they're expecting. Sometimes silence is more powerful than logic.

Don't take their words to heart. Their behaviour is a reflection of their hurts, not your own.

Set boundaries calmly. Distance doesn't mean hatred—it means self-respect.

If you are responding, act with confidence. Speak less, stand tall, and let your dignity speak.

And most importantly, don't let their darkness dim your own light. Kindness doesn't mean cowardice —it's the result of hidden courage.

8. The Hope for Change

While it's easy to label such people as  uncultured or inferior, it's important to remember that they weren't born that way. Over time, they may have been hurt, ignored, or learned the wrong lessons about love and power.

Change happens the day they realize that being kind feels better than being cruel. And that realization often comes not from lectures, but from witnessing someone who chooses compassion over revenge.

So maybe the most revolutionary thing we can do is this: stay kind in a world that glorifies cruelty. Because kindness, when consistent, doesn’t just protect you—it quietly challenges the very people who demean it.

Conclusion-:

Those who find joy in demeaning others are not powerful—they are lost. Their laughter hides insecurity, their dominance hides fear, and their mockery hides emptiness. But the moment they learn that true strength lies in uplifting, not humiliating, they begin their real journey as humans.

Until then, let’s keep walking in kindness, even if the road feels lonely sometimes. Because goodness, though groaning, still stands—and every act of respect keeps it alive.