When you reflect on someone humble, what comes to mind? Perhaps many of us default to seeing people who have very little, are in dire circumstances, or have been humiliated. Others may have thoughts of passive people. Some may see a person with their head held low, shoulders slumping, and even giving the appearance they are submissive.
Could it be that these images come to us from hearing stories of people being bullied, intimidated, or embarrassed? We are defined as being humiliated if we are stripped of pride through these tactics.
Did people of great wealth, high intelligence, or tremendous ability come to mind? Unfortunately, the most common default when thinking of those humble isn’t those with strong talents or abilities.
Humility is, in fact, a strong character trait, one that is necessary for anyone to become a master at anything. It is truly the driving force behind our accomplishing anything. Humility should be the foundation our lives are built on.
Why is being humble so misunderstood?
I was visiting with a friend the other day; this friend has achieved his second-level black belt. He will become a master at the fifth level should he elect to continue. We talked about some of the differences between the levels and what each may entail. Not knowing much about his discipline, I wasn’t sure about the training involved, so I asked him how those at the top levels train each other. There are very few masters in the world, so who trains the top-level, I wondered.
His comment really hit home for me, particularly in regard to the topic of humility. He said, “Masters must be humble, continually growing; humility means they can learn from everyone.” Masters humble, I thought; someone who can defy all odds, overcome pain and defend themselves against an army. It must be necessary, I felt.
The greatest among us thirst for knowledge continually. They have learned their development only comes from constantly studying. They are humble, which means teachable. They are the players on the team who are “coachable.”
Humility maintained throughout life suggests nothing more than a constant desire to learn, grow and expand. Being humble enough to know there is always someone, somewhere, that will teach us something.
Jaren
I enjoyed your post Jaren. Some of the wisest icons of history have also carried the trait of humility. I think that is due to their vast experience teaching them that things aren’t always as they seem and that there is almost always a higher and higher level of truth that is discovered in degrees. As Einstein said, “the important thing is to not stop asking questions” and being open to new information and new evidence when presented or discovered. Thomas Jefferson said, “He who knows nothing is closer to the truth than he whose mind is filled with falsehoods and errors.” Often when we think we have found truth and lock that “truth” into us, we may actually be halting our openness to further truth and progression. If we maintain the attitude of the Masters you referenced above, that we can learn something from everyone, or that everyone has something to teach us, we can hopefully acquire and maintain our own level of humility and peace. Just my thoughts and opinion.
I continually learn from your thoughts and opinions Micah; I am better for it, thx.