It is easy for the "rich man" to shine as a "member of the upper class". But since his "upper-class life" is an artificial position, for which he is not at all mature enough (no one can ever be mature enough for a feeling of any superior identity other than spiritual superiority, which is the purely natural one), he does not therefore reckon with the "human being" or the "spirit" behind the "poor" or the "lower-class" being, but treats him exclusively in accordance with his outer, "poor" appearance. His dealings with this being are to a great extent only "gracious" and "condescending", where they are not downright brutal and inhuman. That this "poor man" can sometimes be a member of the upper class in the absolute sense is not considered here. His identity has long since stagnated and is held in check by his financial dependence on the "rich man" or "employer". If he wants to earn a living, he must suffer in silence. If it were not so, trade unions, police regulations or protective measures would not be necessary, their task being to combat these dismal conditions and limit exploitation and mental oppression so that it does not end up being completely vile, helpless slavery.
      The "rich man" behaves quite differently towards his "social equals". He treats only these beings, and especially those who are even richer than he is, with "respect"; indeed, at times his behaviour can be quite unnaturally exaggerated and is what we call "snobbery". Here he can be excessively friendly and show excessive admiration, if he does not succumb to being envious of the other person's greater riches and position, which is the case in situations where he cannot have any special advantage of the acquaintance, and where this acquaintance cannot be a means for him to reach an even greater satisfaction of his avarice, overweening ambition and insatiable hunger for being a "member of the upper class".