The following context dates back to the time when Russia was under the rule of King Alexander.
Alexander often changed his attire and went to different towns of his empire. This he did in order to ensure that the law and order and other arrangements were appropriate and perfect.
One such day he entered a town and asked a local officer about the way to a particular shop. The sergeant arrogantly replied, ” Can’t you see, I am a government servant. I am not here to guide a passers-by.” The disguised emperor humbly asked, ” What position do you hold?” The sergeant now more fiercely replied, “Can’t you make it out from my uniform? Well, I am a sergeant. “But who are you to be doing so much of inquiry! May I know?” he demanded.” The emperor gently murmured, “Well, I also hold a position of honor in your government.” He further whispered in the sergeant’s ear, “I am the emperor of this empire.”
The sergeant now bewildered and scared stared at the emperor closely. On recognizing him he knelt down on the emperor’s feet and begged for forgiveness.
Alexander the great replied in a very gentle tone, “Brother! You might hold a high post in the government, but your code of conduct clearly exhibits how abysmal you are. Only the inferior ones can be proud and snooty. If you really want to ascend in terms of spirituality and morality, you must become a person first. Try and imbibe tolerance and humility in your behavior. And this shall be your primary duty as a government servant.”