Humility
From 16Guidelines
What is Humility?
Humility is an attitude of experiencing and responding to the world around us with wonder and awe. It is a very gracious strength which all too often goes unrecognised, in a world where competition and self-promotion are so highly valued. True humility is tremendously powerful, holding great dignity and inner calm.
Humility is not about being a doormat, or lacking any self-confidence to assert ourselves. Nor is it simply giving in or pandering to others for the sake of politeness, which can make us feel resentful in our heart. Sincere humility recognises that we ourselves are a small part of a vast, miraculous cosmos. People who demonstrate sincere humility reflect that we are all dependant on others, and remain open to recognising the greatness in others.
Acting with humility can surprise us with how much the world around us opens up. We realise just how much we can learn from each other, how we can recognise humanity in others - the strength and vulnerability of the human condition. It keeps us from being too proud, which closes our mind to the wonder and possibility of others.
Quotes
"I long to accomplish great and noble tasks, but it is my chief duty to accomplish humble tasks as though they were great and noble."
- Helen Keller, USA
"While you think you're green, you'll grow
When you think you're ripe, you begin to get rotten"
- (Unknown)
"It is impossible for a man to learn what he thinks he already knows."
- Epictetus
"Humility does not mean thinking less of yourself than of other people, nor does it mean having a low opinion of your own gifts. It means freedom from thinking about yourself at all."
- William Temple
"I am human and I need to be loved. Just like everybody else does"
- Morrissey, The Smiths
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