Tall Poppy Syndrome

Four hundred years before Julius Caesar, Rome was a city-state ruled by kings. The seventh king was the tyrant, Lucius Tarquinius Superbus, also called Tarquin the Proud.

Wanting to subjugate the neighboring cities, Tarquin insisted that they sign treaties with Rome. Those who refused, did so at the risk of war.

One such city was Gabii. It had refused to sign the Roman treaty, and when attacked, did not succumb to the might of Tarquin the Proud.

Tarquin hatched a plot and instructed his son, Sextus, to infiltrate Gabii. Pretending to be ill-treated by his father, Sextus sought asylum with the enemy.

The people of Gabii welcomed the “wronged” Roman prince with open arms. Once he had gained their confidence, Sextus sent a message to his father.

“What next?”

When the messenger reached Rome, Tarquin was strolling in his garden. The messenger read out Sextus’ message. He waited for a reply, but the king kept quiet.

After a long while, Tarquin the Proud approached a grove of poppies and struck off the heads of the tallest poppies with a stick.

The messenger reported Tarquin’s strange response to his son in Gabii. The devious Sextus understood his father’s command and hastened to obey.

Deliberately and methodically, he killed or banished all the prominent men of Gabii. Once deprived of its tall poppies, Gabii surrendered to Tarquin.

“Tall Poppy Syndrome” is possibly derived from this story. It indicates an unfair situation in which men and women of genuine merit are persecuted because of their stellar achievements.

Just like the Tall Poppy Syndrome was conveyed to you through this story, information (and principles) can also hitch a ride inside stories!

The business world woke up to the power of story years ago — they use stories robustly in their marketing messages and brand-building. So, I often wonder…

Lessons would be so much fun and have greater impact on eager and lethargic ears, alike.

If you’re a writer (or wannabe writer) or simply curious how stories function as “Trojan horses” for carrying messages, check out Chapter 6 of this fantastic book:

Contagious: Why Things Catch On by Jonah Berger - click here to read this book.

Thank you & have a great day,

A. David Singh