One must not make oneself cheap here - that is a cardinal point -

"One must not make oneself cheap here - that is a cardinal point - or else one is done. Whoever is most impertinent has the best chance." These words by Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart contain a fierce and unapologetic declaration about the nature of self-worth and perception in the world. Mozart, often considered one of the most gifted composers in history, understood that in his time, to gain respect, to carve a place of influence, one had to command the respect of others, not through subservience or humility, but through assertiveness and impertinence. His statement reflects a deeply modern and timeless truth about how individuals must navigate societal expectations in order to achieve their goals.

In ancient philosophy, this idea can be traced to the teachings of Aristotle, who placed great emphasis on self-respect and virtue in human behavior. Aristotle argued that to live a life of excellence (or eudaimonia), one must know one’s worth and not compromise it for the sake of pleasing others or conforming to societal norms. Like Mozart, Aristotle believed that assertiveness and the ability to stand firm in one’s convictions were not just desirable traits—they were necessary for achieving greatness. In the context of Mozart’s quote, his impertinence was not a vice, but a strategic choice that allowed him to maintain his autonomy and integrity in a world where artists were often treated as servants to aristocratic patrons.

The example of Socrates offers another profound illustration of this concept. Socrates, though one of the most revered philosophers, was known for his impertinence—he questioned the very foundations of society, religion, and governance. His Socratic method was not about humility or submission to authority; it was about challenging assumptions and demanding that people think for themselves. In this sense, Socrates exemplifies the power of self-respect and assertiveness in the pursuit of truth and integrity, much like Mozart’s refusal to allow his worth to be diminished in a world that often undermined the value of artistic genius. Both men knew that success and reputation were not about submission, but about standing firm in one’s beliefs and actions.

Consider the life of Alexander the Great, whose impertinence as a ruler was instrumental in his success. When Alexander took the throne, he faced immense pressure from rivals and allies alike. Rather than meekly adhering to the expectations of his father’s empire, he set his own course, conquering vast lands and inspiring loyalty through his sheer force of will and assertiveness. Like Mozart, Alexander understood that to be respected, one must demand that respect—either through military prowess or, in Mozart’s case, through boldness in the face of an indifferent aristocracy. Alexander’s ability to take risks, to be audacious in his actions, is reflected in Mozart’s own life, where the need to remain independent and untamed allowed him to create without compromise.

In the world of classical music, Mozart’s approach was revolutionary, as he broke away from the traditional patronage system that required artists to submit to the whims of the aristocracy. His impertinence lay in his refusal to allow himself to be cheapened by the expectations of others—he demanded not just recognition, but freedom. This is seen in his relationships with his patrons, where he frequently clashed with those who sought to control his work. Mozart’s boldness in negotiating his worth and pushing back against oppressive systems is not unlike the stance taken by other figures in history who have faced oppression with courage—men like Martin Luther King Jr., who demanded justice not with humility, but with audacity and conviction.

The lesson in Mozart’s words is one of self-empowerment and courage. In a world where the oppressed are often taught to accept their position with humility and obedience, Mozart calls us to rise above the tendency to cheaply conform. His impertinence was not simply a means of asserting power—it was a reflection of his deep belief in his worth and his right to demand it be recognized. Whether in our professional lives, personal relationships, or creative endeavors, we must learn to assert our value and demand respect, knowing that the road to true success lies not in submission, but in the courage to stand firm in the face of challenges.

In practical terms, this means that we must be mindful of our worth and refuse to settle for being undervalued or overlooked. Whether we are artists, entrepreneurs, or leaders in any field, we must understand that our talents and contributions are worth fighting for. If we continue to belittle ourselves in the hope of gaining favor, we undermine our own potential. Instead, like Mozart, we should develop the courage to assert ourselves—not out of arrogance, but out of conviction in our abilities and worth.

Thus, let us remember Mozart’s wisdom: self-respect is not to be compromised for external validation. Like the great figures of ancient philosophy and history, we must hold fast to our inner worth, and when the world tries to make us small, we must rise and stand impertinent in the face of those forces. For it is in this boldness—this refusal to be cheapened—that we truly find the path to greatness, freedom, and lasting impact.