As heard in a 2018 episode of The Hidden Brain, the tall poppy syndrome is a human condition that has been present in every society from the beginning of time. It explains why we seek out equality and justify our actions by cutting others down.

With over 600 citations, The Tall Poppy Syndrome: The Joy of Cutting Others Down is the most comprehensive audiobook on the subject. Doug Garland has been studying the phenomenon for over 10 years after he experienced it firsthand in his own career. His work brings awareness and clarity to a hidden and often misunderstood human condition.

Using both recent examples and case studies throughout history, we can begin to better understand the emotional damage and challenges tall poppies face. Douglas Garland, MD, practiced orthopedic surgery for 37 years in Southern California. Dr. Garland was the clinical professor of orthopedics at the University of Southern California where he authored over 100 peer-reviewed scientific articles.

A tall poppy, in Australian terms, is someone noticeably successful as defined by wealth, prestige, prowess, rank, or even birth that may attract hostility, envious attention, or malevolence. Some people holding this tall poppy person in contempt may attempt to cause failure or disgrace by “cutting” him or her “down to size”, thus causing their target to be “tall-poppied” as a victim of the “tall poppy syndrome” (TPS).

Awareness of TPS is rarely noted in the United States despite being documented in most countries using various metaphors, words, or phrases. For the English-speaking world, reviewing research from Australia and New Zealand, where the tall poppy syndrome is a national pastime, is crucial to understanding the metaphor. Once we grasp the metaphor, a brief study of where it originated exemplifies the drama that has played out time and again through history.