Meritocracy And Purity

Remaining non-beholden (not under moral obligation) isn't difficult, but accepting favours is to become beholden. It's obvious, yet it seems some people do not have the wit to recognise the dangers. It happens with royalty with the £8000+ per night tab allegedly being picked up by the Sultan of Brunei.

• It possibly stems from the self-belief that they are more valuable than most others. In terms of perceived 'power', this only works when sycophantic behaviour demands, and receives, absolute subservience.

Ostensibly, trade discussions are on the agenda, but any 'bargaining' position is hopelessly disadvantaged by accepting such opulence (photo 10). This is the way it (supposedly) works, but There Ain't No Such Thing As A Free Lunch (TANSTAAFL) and money talks.

Ability will always stand superior when alone, but all too often individuals cannot hack it by their ability and need support from some quarter. They become beholden and totally bought by the favours they trade: you scratch my back and I'll scratch yours. However well-meaning, once the deal has been attempted by displaying a servile demeanor, it is too late for fair play. Trading favour will always degrade any relationship to definite Winners And Losers. Win-win scenarios do not happen.