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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.
Hansel kingbossa says
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.
Shrimant Ayaram says
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.
Kingsley Connect says
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
Stanley says
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.
Bethoven says
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.
Gambo says
Great post. I treasure Humility n Wisdom so so much… Tanks Josh, ur post was such a blessing. More grace…
Dors says
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!
amernaga says
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.
PRINCE says
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.
Dede Nna says
I love this post. thanks for it!