What if we stopped glorifying bullies?
I often speak about chaos, uncertainty, and complex systems.
I’ve even dedicated several years of my life to writing two books on these topics — convinced they hold the key to better understanding today’s world, and more importantly, to living better within it.
But today, I want to talk about a more insidious form of violence.
A violence I call invisible harassment.
It’s not an economic crisis. It’s not a spectacular collapse.
It’s a quiet domination, a subtle but daily humiliation.
The kind inflicted in a schoolyard, a team meeting, a dinner party, or a boardroom.
I have a sincere hatred of bullies.
The most painful chaos isn’t always visible
I’m currently reading a deeply moving book about people who have experienced bullying — at school, at work, within their families.
What this book reminded me is that being bullied is a form of personal chaos, often minimized, sometimes even normalized.
I’ve always had a deep aversion to bullies.
Those who humiliate, belittle, crush others just to exist.
And what troubles me is that these figures are sometimes celebrated in our societies.
They’re admired, called “leaders,” praised for their strength and authority.
But we forget the damage they leave behind.
What silent victims have taught me
Through my encounters, my reading, and my own experiences, I’ve come to understand that many people who have been bullied develop an incredible inner strength.
They may not have the loudest voice, but they often possess:
- A rare clarity about human dynamics,
- An ability to detect weak signals,
- A subtle skill in adapting to uncertainty.
In other words: they are deeply attuned to the complex world we live in.
What if we redefined resilience?
In my books, I talk about resilience and bifurcation, those moments when everything seems to fall apart, yet something new becomes possible.
The people who have experienced humiliation, injustice, the fear of speaking up… and who are still here, standing, present, and engaged — they are the true resilient ones of tomorrow’s world.
They may not be the loudest.
But they are often the deepest.
They are the ones I want to listen to, to uplift, and to see shine.
Practical suggestions
Try these two micro-practices I share in my talks:
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60-second emotional check-in
Name your true emotional state before a major meeting. “Tense,” “hopeful,” “distracted,” “curious.”
Just naming it restores clarity.
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One reconnection per week
Reach out to someone with no agenda: a compliment, a thank-you, a memory.
These micro-connections build long-term resilience.
So, can we stop glorifying bullies?
I believe we need to stop glorifying those who step on others to get ahead.
And start recognizing those who move forward… in spite of everything.
If you’ve been through this: I see you. I respect you.
And I hope that what I share — on stage or here — helps you navigate this uncertain world a little more clearly.
Helpful resources if you’re facing bullying
United States
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StopBullying.gov – Education & support
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Crisis Text Line – Text HOME to 741741 for 24/7 help
United Kingdom
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Childline UK – Call 0800 1111
Europe
→ 5 tools to thrive in uncertainty
Bruno Marion is an expert in chaos theory applied to leadership and management. An international bilingual English-French keynote speaker, he works with executives and organizations in more than 40 countries. He is the author of Chaos, A User’s Guide and Not Everyone Will End Up with an Axe in the Forest.
