thought of the day

Why is it that in many business settings (in my situation TV/film) that in order to "learn the ropes" people in higher up positions want to break you down? This has never really made since to me. I mean, its been explained, and I understand the concept of paying your dues. But this philosophy seems a bit backwards to me. Instead why don't we help along the way and get in this thing together. Molding people that desire to buy in to the same product? Yeah...that's it.