The people I respect the least are the ones that take themselves

Hear, O seekers of balance and wisdom, the words of Corey Taylor, a voice of raw truth and unflinching honesty, who declared: “The people I respect the least are the ones that take themselves way too seriously.” In this utterance lies a lesson both sharp and liberating: that pride without humility, and seriousness without laughter, are chains that weigh down the spirit. To take oneself too seriously is to build a throne of vanity that no one else will bow to. But the one who laughs at himself, who walks in humility, stands taller than kings, for he is free.

The origin of these words comes from Taylor’s life as a performer, a man who stood before crowds and knew both the heights of fame and the depths of struggle. In the world of music and art, many wrap themselves in masks of importance, demanding reverence for every word and gesture. Taylor, by contrast, learned that true strength lies in authenticity. His words cut through the illusion: the more seriously a person takes himself, the less worthy of respect he becomes, for he has forgotten the lightness of spirit that makes life bearable.

This wisdom is not new. The ancients, too, warned against the arrogance of excessive seriousness. Consider the story of Emperor Caligula, who declared himself a living god and demanded worship. His seriousness about his own grandeur turned him into a figure of tyranny and mockery, despised even by those forced to kneel. By contrast, Marcus Aurelius, though he ruled the same empire, humbled himself in his writings, reminding himself daily of his mortality and his smallness in the face of the cosmos. Which of these men, do you think, commanded true respect? Taylor’s words echo the Stoics: humility and laughter are greater than pride.

Look also to Abraham Lincoln, who bore the heaviest burdens of leadership during the American Civil War. His sorrows were immense, yet he often used humor to carry them, telling jokes and laughing even in moments of trial. His humility and lightness drew people close to him, for they saw a man both strong and human. This is the mark of one worthy of respect—not that he takes himself too seriously, but that he knows when to release pride, when to smile, when to embrace the simple truth of being human.

Taylor’s saying also strikes at the heart of hypocrisy. Those who take themselves too seriously often mask insecurity with arrogance, presenting a false image to the world. They demand respect without earning it. But the wise know that respect cannot be forced—it is given freely to those who show humility, authenticity, and kindness. The self-serious man, therefore, is empty, while the man who embraces laughter and imperfection holds true power.

O children of tomorrow, learn this lesson well: do not walk so heavily that you forget the joy of life. The world is vast, time is short, and death comes to all. What folly, then, to waste our days clinging to an image of importance? Better to live lightly, to laugh often, to carry humility as your crown. In doing so, you will not only earn the respect of others but also the peace of your own soul.

Practically, this means you must cultivate humor and humility in your daily life. Do not fear to admit mistakes. Do not cling to titles or honors. Learn to laugh at yourself, for in laughter is freedom. And when you see others puffed up with their own importance, do not envy them, but pity them—for their chains are invisible, but heavy. Seek instead to live with authenticity, humility, and joy.

Thus, Corey Taylor’s words resound as timeless truth: “The people I respect the least are the ones that take themselves way too seriously.” Let this be a reminder that respect is not won by demanding reverence, but by walking in humility. Laugh at yourself, cherish your humanity, and live lightly. For the soul that does not take itself too seriously is the soul that shines with the greatest dignity.