Our friends, associates, and our whole environment influence us in subtle and mainly unconscious ways. This also influences how others think about us when they see us with these people and situations. When on the way to a higher status—when climbing a social, political, or corporate pyramid—associate with those of more prominence and prestige. The respect they elicit will blend into our own reputation. This process works in reverse, however, when we have already arrived at the higher position: associating with more skillful and more respected people will detract from our own standing. As the sun rises, it becomes harder and harder to see the moon.