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Comment by dudul | Hacker News Reader

I had never heard of this syndrome! I think it can be found in Europe as well.

The post was really illuminating. I don't know the Indian culture very well, but now I can understand why sometimes Indian resumes are so lengthy, difficult to parse, and essentially filled with air.

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Another variant of this is "the nail that sticks out gets hammered down." I've usually heard it in reference to Japan, but occasionally other Asian countries as well.

The opposite is "the squeaky wheel gets the grease". It's interesting how both views are opposite and yet both true.

"the squeaky wheel" is about someone who complains.

But "tall poppy" is someone who is talented.

No contradiction between punishing talented people, and serving those who complain.

"The nail that sticks up" isn't necessarily about talent. It's about standing out in any way.

Ok that's right, sorry.

Here's two others: aim for the stars and hit the moon. And,

He who tries to get everything gets nothing

(Translated.)

Those sayings also disagree with each other

The nail/hammer version is pretty common in Russia, too.

It has been quantified as well, there was research I found at one point showing lower educational attainment and worse life outcome despite IQ for gifted students if they weren't placed in accelerated programs.

I've heard "the tallest blade of grass gets cut first" in the US, although Google says it's either a Russian or Assyrian proverb originally.

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