In Class IX, I recall that our erudite English Teacher was displeased since the brightest student with a great command over the language, acted superior to the other classmates. One morning our Teacher decided to admonish him in front of the class with wise words ‘Having vocabulary is good but not being humble isn’t. It’ll prevent any more learning !’
‘Humble’ (the adjective, not the noun or the verb !) is often confused with being ‘Meek’ which none of us want to look. Closely like modest & unassuming, what being ‘humble’ simply means is not to consider one-self better or more important than the others. But, humility is not always acknowledged as a solid trait to possess and in a razzmatazz world of cut-throat competition & hype, coaches will urge trainees to show bold assertiveness.
Why is humility such a remarkable character strength as our parents and teachers had made it out to be ? Humility is the ability to accurately view your strengths, talents and also flaws while being void of any arrogance. Some believe that being humble means having low self-esteem and a lack of confidence, but it’s the opposite. Humility is having the self-esteem to understand that even if you or your family & children are doing very well, you don’t shout about it from the rooftops or in tweets. Class speaks loudly itself !
While it may sound an old-world attribute but there’s something inherently low-key and gentle about humility. Different phrases ‘humble means’ and ‘modest income’ convey that the less affluent may have little to crow about but a lot to dream of. Yet if and when they attain the ‘high places’, that’s the time to be humble. It helps one stay grounded and develop a humane approach in dealing with others, influences how one perceives oneself and the world around. When setbacks revisit, as they can, it equips one to cope better !
The humblest person I’ve ever closely known was my Dad, ever ready to remain modest about achievements and his virtues of kindness and charity. In the 1960-80’s decades, importance was attached to ethics & fair play and one-upmanship, self- promotion and a patronizing attitude frowned upon. Humble, ego-less folks had compassion for fellow beings, respect for others’ beliefs and opinions. This happened because humility offered the opportunity to become less self-involved and more attuned to the feelings of others. While in service, I’d once said to Boss ‘We should highlight all our achievements in the presentations..’ He said ‘We’ll provide all the data, let the praise come from the others’ !
The world of business & culture has had biggest names like Late Ratan Tata and Ustad Zakir Husain as the role models in humility & grace. In sporting arenas, legends such as Roger Federer, Kane Williamson & Rahul Dravid have exemplified true sportsmanship, but that’s just naming a few. All this despite intense media pressure to hype their feats ! Experts feel humility can produce happiness, positive emotions and well-being because a person has a clearer understanding of the Self & being comfortable with who they are and who they are not. That is – if one’s willing to be true & transparent in today’s world.
Working on Living 