Like many other living things on this planet, humans have powerful instincts for competition, domination and control. Those who posture the most are able to establish themselves as superior and subsequently work to create a distinction between themselves and those who are perceived or shown to be below them. With this kind of blinding power comes a certain amount of influence over others, which has been used to varying degrees by leaders throughout the ages of mankind. The resulting series of class-based hierarchies dates back about as far as recorded history, and the denizens of higher social classes have always felt entitled to the aid of slaves and servants.