In the military I could exercise the power of being automatically respected because of the medals on my chest, not because I had done anything right at the moment to earn that respect. This is pretty nice. It's also a psychological trap that can stop one's growth and allow one to get away with just plain bad behavior.

Summary

This quote highlights how the possession of medals in the military can often lead to an automatic sense of respect from others, regardless of one's current actions or achievements. While this may initially seem desirable, it can also create a psychological trap that hinders personal growth and enables poor behavior. It emphasizes the importance of continuously earning respect through one's present actions, rather than solely relying on past achievements.

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