This was an image we used in Kabissa publications back in the day, and I always found it to be inspiring. I think the full quote is something like this:
“Be nice to people on the way up, because you may meet them on the way down.”
This also resonated with me because.. Lucky Dube! I like his reinterpretation of the quote.
The Way it Is
Lucky Dube
Didn’t I raise my voice
High enough for you
I was running like a fugitive all the time
Risking rejection from my own people, yeah
Now that you got what you wanted
You don’t even know my name
It’s so funny, we don’t talk anymoreBe good to the people on your way up the ladder
'Cause you’ll need them on your way down
That’s the way it is (the way it is)
That’s the way it is (the way it is)
That’s the way it is (the way it is)
That’s the way it is, oh no (the way it is)Didn’t I raise my fists high enough for you
I guess I can pat myself on the shoulder
For a job well done
Dodging bullets in the streets, I was there
Risking rejection from my own peopleNow that you got what you wanted
You don’t even know my name
RememberBe good to the people on your way up the ladder
'Cause you’ll need them on your way down
That’s the way it is (the way it is)
The way it is, yeah (the way it is)
That’s the way it is (the way it is)
That’s the way it is (the way it is)
And that’s the way it is (the way it is)
That’s the way it is (the way it is)
That’s the way it is (the way it is)That’s the way it is (the way it is)
The way it is (the way it is)
That’s the way it isBe good to the people on your way up the ladder
'Cause you’ll need them on your way down
That’s the way it is, oh no (the way it is)
That’s the way it isBe good to the people on your way up the ladder
'Cause you’ll need them on your way down
That’s the way it is (the way it is)
That’s the way it isBe good to the people on your way up the ladder
'Cause you’ll need them on your way down