People at a higher level than you are more willing to encourage you. Even when they criticize you, you can draw real value from that criticism and become better.
Because all they need to offer is wisdom, and all you need to offer in return is respect and trust — both sides walk away with something.
People at the same level as you are more willing to validate you. Even when they don’t, you can still find common ground, exchange what each of you has, and build something together — a business partnership, a shared endeavor.
Because all they need to do is put something on the table, and all you need to do is bring action and resources — a straightforward, mutually beneficial arrangement.
But those at a lower level than you? They are far more inclined to slander you, dismiss you, and mock you — and they will attempt to hold you hostage through emotion and moral obligation.
Because they have very little else to bring to the table that could form the basis of real cooperation. So emotion becomes their only card to play.
One final note: if these three points seem to contradict each other in your mind, try reading them in reverse order. Everything will become clear on its own.