When Yan Ying, the wise minister of Qi, arrived at the Chu capital, the king ordered the city gates closed, leaving only a small doghole open to humiliate him.
Yan Ying smiled and said, "This is a gate for dogs. One enters through a dog gate only when visiting a dog kingdom. If I am visiting a human kingdom, I should enter through a human gate. So tell me—am I in a human kingdom or a dog kingdom?"
The king, hearing this, fell silent, then ordered the gates opened and welcomed Yan Ying with due respect.
True dignity is not measured by stature, but by wisdom and composure. When faced with contempt or insult, calm words can turn the tide.
Stay centered. Stay clear. The gate matters less than the spirit you carry through it.