Bundoc, John Paul A.

Philosophy III
Modern Philosophy Fr. June Bello
Chapter XIX
How to Avoid Contempt and Hatred
The aim of the prince was to describe the rules of power politics. It is all about the state
and society. The book of Niccolo Machiavelli entitled “The Prince” provide a very important
definition of contempt and hatred and how to avoid them. The definition of hatred, it is a very
strong feeling of dislike. Hatred is formed because of our desires and hunger for power, money
and possessions. We want more than is needed or deserved. While contempt is a feeling that
someone or something is not worthy of any respect or approval; a lack of respect for or fear of
something that is usually respected or feared. The cause of contempt, example in prince, if he is
fickle (changing opinions), frivolous (not important and serious), effeminate (not manly in
appearance or manner), cowardly lacking courage), and irresolute (not certain about what to do).
Relating to our country today, one of the trending Filipino traits right now is the “Crab
Mentality”. Crab mentality, sometimes referred to as crabs in the bucket, is a phrase that
describes a way of thinking best described by the phrase “if I can’t have it, neither can you.” The
metaphor refers to a pot of crabs. Individually, the crabs could easily escape from the pot, but
instead, they grab each other in a useless king of the hill competition which prevents any from
escaping and ensure their collective demise. The analogy in human behavior is that members of a
group will attempt to pull down (negate or diminish the importance of) any member who
achieves success beyond the others, out of envy, conspiracy or competitive feelings.
It is good to think that Filipinos are competitive in whatever field they choose but if
you’re process of out-witting your competitor is by pulling him down, is a sign of “Crab
Mentality”. Instead of doing that you should develop yourself to become better than your
competitor so that the competition will grow. And if the competition is healthy the benefits you
will receive will also grow. For example, not in a state but in a company, Company B is the
competitor of Company A. Both of them are developing their product better than the other one.
In result, even though one of them is inferior to the other, they still exist in the competition. Both
of them help the economy through giving taxes in the government. But if Company A arouses an
issue against company B, the highest possibility for the latter is to retaliate by throwing a
different issue against the former. If this happens, they will turn their attention to the issue
thrown to them instead of thinking a way of improving their products. In result, their customers
will be dismayed and will find another company that satisfies their needs. Crab mentality is such
a Filipino trait that we hear at our very young age. As the famous saying goes, ”we all like to see
our friends get ahead, but not too far ahead”, this such a negative attitude and this, I think, is one
of the reasons we remain poor. The reason for crab mentality is thought to be a jealousy.
As a community, we need to stop crab mentality or self-defeating behavior. I believe one
way to stop is by fostering transparency and openness. Those who are already on the top can
show how they got there, and encourage others to emulate the proper attitudes that got them
there, to strive and keep on doing what’s right. A little pulling up can go a long way instead of
pulling down.