“All the streams flow to the ocean because it is lower than they are. It is this humility that gives the ocean its power.”
This
quotation is part of a major teaching on life and living by one of ancient
China’s greatest philosophers, Lao Tzu, who lived in the 4th
century BC. He declared that there were only 3 precious actions that we
should all hold dearly in life: Gentleness, Frugality and Humility. He then
explained further that being gentle, leads to boldness, being frugal, will
allow the person to be liberal, and by being humble, by not putting yourself
before others, leads on to leadership. He insisted that of these, humility is
the foundation of all the other virtues, and in its absence, there can be no
other virtue. Since all the streams and rivers must eventually flow into it,
the strength of the ocean is reflected by its lowly position, and not by its vast
image.
The Greek philosopher Aristotle, around the same time as Lao Tzu, in the 4th century, elaborated further on the qualities of humility. He insisted that because humility is a moral virtue which can be easily polluted by arrogance and weakness, He considered that it was essential that one must have a clear and accurate self-knowledge of oneself, which includes not only the things we know, but equally, being aware of those matters about which we lack knowledge. Man, in the context of the entire universe, is an infinitesimally small part of it, and he cannot ever hope to do anything to affect the future, but, at an individual level, it was still possible, by practicing humility in everything, to continue to develop and achieve greater personal satisfaction. For it is only by practicing humility can we be able to truly understand ourselves, and equally, to understand everyone around us. Any attempt to do otherwise, will only result in deceit and disappointment.
Contrary to the popular view, humility has nothing to do with being mild or weak, and it certainly does not mean that a humble person is necessarily afraid or submissive. Humility instead, is better viewed as an attitude of confident modesty, arising from a genuine understanding of who we are, what are our needs, and the extent of our capabilities. Humble people, by their very nature, show greater respect, have better social relationships, avoid deception and are more accepting of the situation. Because of the absence of any feelings of anger or suspicion within them, they are far more willing to forgive others, to show gratitude, and be generous and cooperative with friend and foe alike.
Repeated physiological and psychological studies have established the effectiveness of adopting a humble role in all aspects of living. There is an undeniable advantage in the use of humility in learning new areas, in projecting an honest, acceptable image, in attracting others and persuading them to accept you. Humility increases the person’s overall psychological wellbeing and ensures healthy social interactions by removing the element of threat that often interferes with attitudes. It also has an equally dramatic effect on the physical wellbeing of the individual with far better control of all the essential factors including Sleep, Blood Pressure, Anxiety and Activity.
The
ancient Chinese philosopher Confucius, several thousand years ago
confidently stated that humility is the solid foundation of all virtues, and
insisted that when humility was motivated by a spirit of selflessness, it will
always bring many tangible emotional, mental and social benefits. There is a
certain indescribable joy that comes from living a life dominated by humility,
that cannot be found in anything else. When one chooses to value others more
than oneself, or give in, rather than fight, or try to help others in need,
there is indeed a nobility in the actions taken. For those who choose to humble
themselves, especially when there was no need to do so, prove that they value
not only their own, but the wellbeing of their relationships far more than just
proving they were right, or intent on getting their own way. The very highly
respected Irish author and theologian C. S. Lewis, whose famous
publication of “The Chronicles of Namia” is a study in humility, placed
this in a simple but clear context when he wrote
“Humility is not thinking less of yourself.
But it is thinking of yourself, less.
When
Tim Tebow, a young American sportsman and a committed Christian, was
challenged to explain his meek and humble behavior in spite of a very
successful record, he offered the following simple but effective reason:
“So much of what we do is based on humility or on pride.
And when we humble ourselves, we are more like Christ.”
In saying this, he was in fact confirming that humility is considered to be a bedrock of all the major religions, and that arrogance in all its forms, is the root of all the problems. Without a sense of humility and an acknowledgment deeply embedded in us, the natural survival instinct is to feel that we are justified in everything we think, say or do to protect us. But in fact, this ‘human” instinct runs counter to all the religious teachings:
- The Holy Bible and the Torah repeatedly reminds the faithful to follow the right direction as contained in 1 Peter 5:5-6:
“All you be submissive to one another and be clothed in humility, for God resists the proud, but gives grace to the humble.”
-While Buddhists and Hindus are equally definitive:
“Never believe you are above or below anyone.
Always keep a humble spirit.”
-And, the religion of Islam, by the very name itself, is founded on submission to Allah, and by discipline, brotherhood, generosity and humility.
Unfortunately, quite unlike many of the developed societies of the previous centuries however, current societies prefer to see success only in achievement, entitlement and competition, and as a result, they are driven with a ceaseless urge for increasingly competitive, attention-seeking, and narcissistic obsessions for success and power at all cost. As a result, they see any attempt at humility as merely an admission of defeat and therefore should be avoided at all cost. It is no surprise that we end up choosing leaders who will ensure that this trend continues, even as we express surprise and disappointment with the increasing strife, conflict and distrust that appears to be escalating among every single layer of society. Lord John Buchan, the great Scottish historian, author, and 15th Governor General of Canada, in his writings reminded us of this possibility when he observed:
“Without humility, there can be no humanity.”
There is a certain honesty in humility that cannot be imitated, but must arise from deep within the soul of the individual. Sigmund Freud, the founder of the school of psychotherapy, explained the dynamics of this behavior by suggesting only humility can curb the instinctive power of the id, and restore balance to the ego. Paramount among these was Jesus Christ himself, whose whole life was a lesson in humility, even though he could easily have chosen otherwise. And alternatively, nothing is more deceitful than that false appearance of humility so often presented by so many under the guise of sincerity. History itself, explodes with endless examples of people who had chosen to live their lives dictated by true humility, and of many others who willingly and diligently exploited it for selfish means. The names of all of these people are indelibly inscribed in the pages of history, and are readily available for all who cared.
But humility must never be seen exclusively as the domain of a few gifted people, but rather as the ultimate goal of us all. Beginning with the parent when he chooses to spend his time and patience guiding and teaching his child, or the adult who chooses to hold back enough to allow others to grow, or the person who chooses to encourage those in need, rather than cut them down for failing. These are the true hallmarks of the humble. They arise from a basis of strength and confidence, and never from fear and uncertainty. It is only with genuine humility can we relate with others with trust and respect, or value ourselves in the way we should. And it is only with humility can we become more grateful, more caring, more responsive, and more giving to others. Perhaps, the Holy Bible, in Matthew 23:12, provides us with the clearest explanation for being humble in all things:
“Whoever exalts himself will be humbled.
And whoever humbles himself will be exalted.”
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