One should not seek self-elevation by putting down others. Indeed, one should by his merits only seek superiority over persons who are distinguished but never over those who are inferior.
आत्मोत्कर्षं न मार्गेत परेषां परिनिन्दया। स्वगुणैरेव मार्गेत विप्रकर्षं पृथग्जनात्॥