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When you overpay small people you frighten them. They know…

“When you overpay small people you frighten them. They know that their merits or activities entitle them to no such sums as they are receiving. As a result their boss soars out of economic into magic significance.” quote by Ben Hecht
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“When you overpay small people you frighten them. They know that their merits or activities entitle them to no such sums as they are receiving. As a result their boss soars out of economic into magic significance.”

Ben Hecht

About This Quote

This interpretation was drafted with AI assistance. It is one reading of the quote, not the author's own explanation.

Overpaying low‑level workers can inflate their self‑importance, disrupting hierarchy.

In simple terms: Giving too much money to junior staff can cause problems.

Key Takeaway

Reward proportionally to role.

Themes

economics hierarchy motivation

Mood

analytical cautionary

Type

business psychological

When to use this quote

  • corporate bonuses
  • freelance contracts
  • team incentives

Key Concepts

salary structures power dynamics employee morale

Questions to Reflect On

  • How to balance fair pay and hierarchy?
  • What alternatives to cash rewards exist?
A Different Perspective

May create resentment among peers.

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