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“We come nearest to the great when we are great in humility.”– Rabindranath Tagore
Humility is a funny thing. In fact, my grandfather used to tell us that he won a medal for his humility, but it was taken away when he began to wear it.
It seems like an increasingly rare trait these days and a difficult characteristic to emulate.
But what is it? What does it mean to be humble?
Humility is the act of being modest, reverential, even politely submissive.
It is the opposite of aggression, arrogance, pride, and vanity.
On the surface, it appears to empty its holder of all power. But on the contrary, it grants enormous power to its owner.
It offers its owner complete freedom from the desire to impress, be right, or get ahead. Frustrations and losses have less impact, and a humble person confidently receives the opportunity to grow, improve, and reject society‘s labels. A humble life results in contentment, patience, forgiveness, and compassion.
How to Be Humble
Understand individual limitations
Humans, by definition, are finite and thus, limited in our understanding. Our talents are different, our minds are different, and our experiences vary from one another.
Individually, we comprehend only a small, unique fraction of the world. But together, we arrive at a far-grander view of the Universe. Humble people realize their understanding is limited and embrace it. As a result, they wisely look for answers outside of themselves.
Appreciate others
All human life carries inherent value. Our souls hold no more value or importance than the person sitting next to us, no matter where we may be sitting.
A humble person appreciates the fact that the world does not revolve around him or her. And accepts their position as just a tiny piece in the giant puzzle.
Respect others and their opinions
Just because an opinion is different doesn’t mean it is wrong. Please don’t misunderstand me, the opposing opinion may be wrong (there are countless either/or arguments where both sides can’t be right). I’m only saying that it is not wrong just because it is different… and that is a far better place to begin the dialogue.
Listen more and speak less
It spends more time understanding… and less time being understood.
Humble people don’t just nod along and wait for their turn to talk. Instead, they actively listen and stay present, engaged in the conversation. They ask questions and don’t mind letting the person they’re speaking to feel good about themselves.
Withhold judgments over intentions as much as possible
The quickest way to win an argument in your mind is to make sweeping judgments concerning the intentions of others. It is the easiest way to discount any valid, opposing argument. It is also one of the most damaging. In fact, in my opinion, it is one of the primary reasons that humility has completely vanished from our political discourse.
Being humble allows you to practice putting yourself in their shoes and to see where another person is coming from. You don’t seek to win. You seek to come to understand others better.
Help others and promote others
Joy is not found in being right and arriving at the top. Instead, joy is found in helping others grow and succeed. Humility realizes that in those cases, both win.
Humility always begins in our hearts. As a result, it offers significant control over attitude, outlook, and actions. It has nothing to prove, but everything to offer.
Have you met someone who exudes the above traits?
If you know someone who this article describes perfectly, spend more time with them and learn to emulate these qualities.
Wow very nice presentation
Wow it’s amazing. I would love to use it as a presentation. Can I?
May I please request for permission to include this work of yours as one of my references in making my speech about Values in Action for a company event this December 2019. This is a very inspiring article.
The words humility and humble come from the base word humus…as in the soil. As I mention this my humility is replaced a bit with pride. Sounds like we might live with these two contrasting ideas.
‘Humility is so shy. If you begin talking about it, it leaves.’
I would like permission to reproduce this document in our News Letter of Helps for our teacher. I develop lesson plans to teach our monthly Character Virtue. May’s virtue is Humility. Our News Letter of Helps does not go out side our school district and is not sold. For more information about us go to http://www.Responsiveed.com. We have over 70 schools in Texas and 4 in Arkansas. Thank you for your consideration of this important matter.
Sure, go right ahead.
I really don’t have the right word to complement your work, but this is wonderful, Thanks for bringing this to the world in time like this, God bless you, I’m also writing a book, I will use most of your work to complete the one I have here, Thanks once again.
Just compare this with the definition of Love in the JB Phillips translation of 1 Corinthians 13:
4 This love of which I speak is slow to lose patience—it looks for a way of being constructive. It is not possessive: it is neither anxious to impress nor does it cherish inflated ideas of its own importance.
5-6 Love has good manners and does not pursue selfish advantage. It is not touchy. It does not keep account of evil or gloat over the wickedness of other people. On the contrary, it is glad with all good men when truth prevails.
This post is really inspiring, wish very many friends of mine would have access to this. A sinner can hardly express true and sincere humility. Humility without Christ is Hypocrisy
I always used to study post in news papers but now as I am a user of internet so from now
I amm using net for content, thanms to web.
Dear Josh,
Your post is so encouraging, about humility, please allow me to quote this for my preaching in relation to Biblical teaching about humility.
GOD Bless you more.
Great post. I treasure Humility n Wisdom so so much… Tanks Josh, ur post was such a blessing. More grace…
Dear Josh,
I’m a grade school teacher in Manila. I’m composing a test for 5th graders. Please allow me to use your blog as the ‘umbrella’ for my examination. It is wisdom-filled. It is real. I know the kids will not only enjoy the test, but have some moments of relfections as well. God bless you!
Ver impt article. Many including the religious are wasting too much and so many bcoz of humility lack. Humility, patience, forgiveness, etc., we need more write-ups on them.
That was a really beautiful reminder….and yet strangely hard for me to read today. I guess that means I needed to hear it. :)
I love that last line…Humility has nothing to prove, but everything to offer.
I love this post. thanks for it!
What do you do when honesty and responsibilty inhibit humility?
Such as when everybody is clearly, demonstrably, stubbornly, arrogantly, self-detrimentally, wrong?
Great post. Humility takes courage…to remember that we’re human…. and that without humility we are always in great danger of taking ourselves (and others) far too seriously…which can lead to unhealthy consequences.
Humility has powers?
It reminds me of the benedictine Wil Derkse explaining humility not as something negative (as something for the weak, something slavish) but rather as the power to serve. In Dutch he uses ‘deemoed’ which beautifully has the word courage in it.
There is also a nice book about this theme by Michael Casey ‘A guide to living in truth, Saint Benedict’s teaching on humility’.
“The quickest way to win an argument in your mind is to make sweeping judgements concerning the intentions of others. It is the easiest way to discount any valid, opposing argument. It is also one of the most damaging. In fact, in my opinion, it is one of the primary reasons that humility has completely vanished from our political discourse.”
Well said, Joshua.
Love this and it is too true! Thanks to the internet, there is ever more chances for narcissists to try to bring attention to themselves and boasts. But that is out of my control and I can only watch and try to understand what they are trying to achieve.
Lovely post!
God tells us:
Do nothing out of selfish ambition or vain conceit, but in humility consider others better than yourselves. Phil 2:3
Help us Jesus.
Joshua, what a beautiful and practical post. It couldn’t have come at a better time. “Humility is the act of being modest, reverential, even politely submissive. It is the opposite of aggression, arrogance, pride, and vanity. And on the surface, it appears to empty its holder of all power.” I will memorize these words and practice the art of humility in a couple of situations in which I find myself lately. Your blog is so challenging. Thank you.
So beautiful. I love your blog! Thank you for the regular positive thoughts.
I have never understood what humility was fully about until I read this post. It brought tears to my eyes, finally understanding. Thank you for such a thoughtful post.
I had a Drill Sergent in the Army who would say “Tell me what you think and if it is the same as I am thinking….. We’ll do it your way!”
Respecting others opinions is not only humility. But often it is the best way to learn you are wrong.
I love your grandfather’s story too.
I talk alot about this one too. Great post and great reminder. I think we all need to focus on this DAILY to get the focus away from ourselves and on what is really important. Thanks you!
Joshua, I want to know if I can print off this story about humility? I teach a class at the county jail for adolescents who are being tried as adults. The class is called Character First. Humility is one of our character words. I am always looking for a broader level for the words we teach than just the sylibus. Thanks I really enjoy your blog, and by the way I am 62 years old and working toward being a minimialist.
Of course. I write so that it can be read. Thanks for letting me know how you are planning to use it. I appreciate hearing stories like this!
I’ve been following you for a while now. Thanks for the inspiration — so sweet and simple.
I appreciate your delving into this particular virtue. I’ve had certain points in life where I’ve obsessed slightly about particular virtues. A book really worth looking into on this topic is Humility by Andrew Murray. Read it?
My “favorite” virtue of the moment is grace. And by favorite I mean the one plaguing me in my desire to exude it and my struggle to actually do so. Wanna break that one down for me in an inspirational post? I’m really working on being a more gracious person. Help a sister out. ;)
humility leads to enlightenment. My favorite line from a movie: You are enlighten until you open your mouth.
Really touched a nerve here, in a good way. More folks need to understand this concept!
From your post: “Humility helps others and promotes others. Joy is not found in being right and arriving at the top. Instead, joy is found in helping others grow and succeed. Humility realizes that in those cases, both win.” Excellent observation that few seem to really get. Your blog is a blessing to many, us included. Mahalo for putting Truth and substance out there, not fluff; it’s greatly appreciated.
This is what I love about your blog Joshua. I never know what I’m going to find! It’s like putting my life on pause for a few minutes and soaking some wisdom from slower times. Thank you for this post. It reached home for me today.
Tanja
I agree. To me, humility and humbleness are some of the greatest signs of a person who is comfortable in their own skin. It shows true self-esteem, not the kind that constantly depends on bragging or competition or bringing down others.
We could all benefit from some more humility.
Fine, fine post!
This post reminds me of a topic I’ve been reading a lot about lately, Love. It’s amazing how when you are truly humble, you are truly loving people. Thanks for a great post!
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Beautiful post, Joshua. Love your grandfather’s quote! Reminded me of the preacher who, after a sermon on humility, was told by an elderly lady in his church, “You know, Pastor, I’ve always been proud of my humility.”
: )
Gene
Wow did I ever need this today. Thank you.
“Humble people realize their understanding is limited and embrace it.”
This is such a tension in my own life. I thirst for answers and understanding, but find freedom in the realization that some things are just not meant to be known. At least not at this time. If I rest in this mystery, I experience peace and true joy. I also lay myself open to seeing people just as they are. Unique, beautiful, broken, precious, and loved.
Thanks for the beautiful post, Joshua!
Something I need to read constantly.
I know I need to keep reading it because of the lines I read that made me think of OTHER people who should read it… which is obviously the opposite of humility!
Beautiful reminder. May many of us take it to heart today.
It must be read and put foremost in our thoughts. Heaven has communicated through the saints and even the demons during exorcisms ( confessions from beyond) in the 1970s that mankind is far far from the humble, pious beings that the great and holy ones in heaven wish us to be!
Humility sounds a lot like “thinking about others before yourself” and “putting yourself in their shoes”. It is a character trait that compliments peace and patience.
Recognising that even though our own thoughts, feelings and needs are important, we mustn’t have the attitude that those of others aren’t equally so.
It is a world of way too many “me first” and “don’t get in my way”. Probably fuelled by the advertising that constantly tells us that “the most important person in the world is you”
Joshua,
I went through a tough time last year. I had a mental breakdown in the summer, due in part to pride (which is the opposite of humility!) I thought I could do it all, and do it by myself, I didn’t need anyone to help me, I was Superwoman. It eventually came crashing down around me and I am having to learn humilty the hard way. I can’t do it all. Not even close. And what I can do, I need help. From my friends, from my family, from the blogging community, most of all from God.
Awesome post, thanks for the reminder!
Bernice
How does your faith affect your ability to cope?
What a great blog! Thanks for the reminder!
That was a really beautiful reminder….and yet strangely hard for me to read today. I guess that means I needed to hear it. :)
I love that last line…Humility has nothing to prove, but everything to offer.
This is one of the most neglected subjects and one of the most important. The difference between one who is humble vs. one who is prideful is striking. Many do not understand this powerful trait. Thank you for writing about this and reminding me of its importance.
This is such an important trait and ultimately leads to the greatest graces from heaven. People of all races and backgrounds must practice humility in order that the great judgement be reprieved. Thank you for sharing this.
Yes reprieve that judgement because soon enough it’s coming. Thats a cynical comment in a way isnt it?