The world is full of self-important, self-absorbed, and self-promoting people. I prefer humble people. They are truly a breath of fresh air when I meet them.
Humility seems to be a virtue that is losing ground in today’s world. Humble people do not make for good TV. The media prefers to make the bold and the brash the lead story. These are the people who make the headlines.
The bravado superstars show on Sportscenter or CEO’s demonstrate on MSNBC or Fox News makes for good ratings. I just don’t think it makes for very good people.
What’s Not To Like?
Six Reasons I Like Humble People
1. The Humble Are Rare
It is ironic that people today spend so much time declaring they are unique. They want to stand out in a crowd and be noticed. Unfortunately that is becoming a majority. Humility is truly unique. It is the humble who stand out. When I find a humble person, I know I have found someone special.
2. The Humble Are Selfless
Self-important, self-absorbed, and self-promoting. When you put your self first, this is what you become. The humble put others before themselves. Being selfless doesn’t mean you think less of yourself. It just means you think of yourself less.
3. The Humble Are Confident
You can be humble and confident simultaneously. But, arrogance and humility are always in opposition. While an arrogant person is often preoccupied with promoting his capabilities, a confident person does not need other people to know they are capable.
4. The Humble Admit Mistakes
It takes humility to admit when you blew it. The humble do not see the need to be perfect, because they already know perfection is impossible. They see themselves realistically. Therefore, admitting mistakes does not damage their ego.
5. The Humble Show Maturity
Some people are naturally humble. Some people gain humility through experience. Either way, humility is a sign of maturity. How mature is a petulant child who needs everyone’s attention? Now compare the humility of aging sport stars versus the people they were during their playing days. Lack of humility is a sign of immaturity.
6. The Humble Are Good Listeners
The humble are very comfortable learning about others and demonstrating the lost art of listening. They do not always dominate the conversation with stories about their own accomplishments or their children’s accomplishments. The humble always tend to make others feel important instead of making themselves feel that way. They do that by listening.
The Bottom Line:
I think the world believes humility is a sign of weakness. The strongest people I know exude humility. I like being around them because they are not concerned about their position. They are not concerned about getting the spot light. They are concerned about what is important.
Humility is a character trait we should all aspire to.
Think about it. If I told you I wanted you to meet a unique person who was selfless, confident, able to admit mistakes, mature and a good listener, doesn’t that sound like someone we would all want to spend time with?
Question:
Have you ever been around a truly humble person you didn’t appreciate? Have you ever been around an arrogant person you didn’t appreciate?
Check out Phillip Tetlock’s book, Expert Political Advice. Humble people are also more likely to change their conclusions in the face of mounting evidence contrary to the initial conventional wisdom.
Great point! I agree. But I will check out the book anyway.
Fred Rogers, aka Mister Rogers, quoted
Dr.William Orr, Fred’s beloved professor at seminary, as follows, “You know when you find somebody who you know is in touch with truth, how you want to be in the presence of that person.”
This quote came to mind after reading about you.
Best wishes and God’s blessings.
That was an OUTSTANDING article. I think you should submit it to every magazine and newspaper out there. Heck, I think you should expand it into a book!
The most influential people in the history of the planet, Christ being foremost among them, have been the most humble. Ghandi, John Paul II, Mother Theresa, Abe Lincoln come to mind immediately.
Thanks for writing it. Well done, Sir.
Wow! High praise John. Thank you.
I’m not kidding about a possible book. It’s a lost quality, and it’s exercise a lost art. Might strike a chord with a lot of people.
Dave,
Just wanted to comment and say this was a refreshing read. Thanks for taking the time to write it.
Thank you Pete.
Dave,
Great article!. Humility is a virtue that can be developed, which means there is hope for all of us. Humility starts with understanding our relationship to God and grows from there to understanding our relationship with others. Thanks for your great work.
Blair
I 100% agree with the steps you describe. I am third!
Very deep and expository article about humility. We are now living in a society of self-exalting people and the character of humility is turning like a strange thing. It is very true that our association with the humble people will make us very delightful and inspiring, but humility is a divinely nature.
Oh Dave, I’m humbled … and convicted … and inspired by this most amazing commentary!!! I WANT so much to be the humble, yet confident individual that you describe. Thank you for opening my eyes to this great truth!!! Thank you!!!
Dear Dave,
very good article .very informative and concise. I would add humble helps people to improve themselves, asking about their degree of improvement and is ready for any advice. thanks
I agree Ali! It takes humility to know improvement is a never ending quest.
Dave, this is good to publish every year. Like me, I missed it the first time, and probably the second and third time…. Great writing. I have forwarded it to others that show humility.
thanks.
Thanks for the encouragement Chuck!