A stylised illustration of a human brain outlined on a white brick wall, with a wooden ladder leaning into the brain, symbolising ambition, cognition, institutional power and the psychological climb toward authority.

When the Mascot Believes He Is King

There is, apparently, a magical point in every corporate career when appearing beside important people becomes equivalent to being important. Attend enough panels, join enough committees, smile beside enough executives and, eventually, the mascot discovers his true destiny: not merely carrying the king’s banner, but explaining to the king where he went wrong.
Ready for the full piece?
A ladder curves upward into bright clouds, with its upper end disappearing from view, symbolizing uncertain ambition, hierarchy, and the unknown destination of success. (Approximately 18 words. Good for accessibility and SEO without interpreting the image too heavily.)
The Idiot’s Ladder
Stop believing promotions prove merit. They often prove something else entirely. Every hierarchy eventually begins selecting people who protect the system…
Here is more …
A close-up black-and-white image of a cracked classical stone face, partially submerged in still water. The weathered sculpture shows deep fractures across its surface, with dark water reflecting its features against a nearly black background.
The Carcass and the Marrow
If your identity depends on institutions, you’re building your life on rented ground. Governments fail. Empires decay. Corporations change sides whenever…
Here is more …
Close-up of a snake staring directly at the camera with its forked tongue extended.
The Cathedral of Lies
The greatest lie isn’t the one politicians tell you. It’s the one you willingly tell yourself—that someone, somewhere, is actually steering…
Here is more …
The Numbers Are Lying

I have trust issues. I distrust politicians. I have little more than suspicion for managers. And when somebody presents me…

Get it …