There are plenty of ‘noble qualities’ that we love reading and hearing about. We even admire those that possess those qualities, yet when it comes to us we often find ourselves thinking otherwise. The qualities that can make you the best person in the world are only good as long as you don’t want to work at it. See the irony here?
So what are these good qualities? Courtesy, kindness, honesty, and the list goes on. One such quality is humility.
Any quality is only sought out based on the value a society attaches to it.
But science, it tends to take a different view of things. Science says that qualities like socializing, empathy and compassion are what allowed humans to survive as a species. The common factor in those qualities? They are all possible if you exercise a degree of humility in your daily interactions.
The question is – why are these great human qualities overshadowed by ambition and other consumer-driven behaviors?
The Key to Being the Best Person in the World
Is Humility a Weakness?
There is nothing wrong with going after what you want, provided we have the means for it. Humility would actually have you consider your limitations and accept when obtaining something is not possible.
While we love when others show humility, we are not willing to extend the same courtesy to others. We enjoy the comfort of being understood and not judged by these individuals, but to express this quality ourselves is a weakness?
That does not make a lot of sense. Maybe it’s in our understanding of the quality. Let me explain.
Humility is not a lack of self-esteem, rather it is a realist approach of accepting your limitations. After all you’re only human.
That’s how great leaders got to where they are.
“The first thing is to be honest with yourself. You can never have an impact on society if you have not changed yourself…Great peacemakers are all people of integrity, of honesty, and humility.” – Nelson Mandela
Do We still need Humility?
Back when we didn’t have mass societies, humility fueled compassion and cooperation. This in turn ensured survival. Now that things have changed significantly with the creation of a mass society, do we still need humility?
The long and short answer is – yes. We certainly need humility in a mass society more than we did before. A civilization without humility is a civilization that lives in denial. Denial towards mistakes, weaknesses, and drawbacks.
Here’s Why
Unless we all have a strong sense of humility there will be no accepting and correcting mistakes. This may work in the short term but in the long run, the effects on development will be detrimental.
For that, we first need to put aside our inflated egos, which is often fed by commodification. Even arrogance results from insecurities. When we’re willing to accept our weaknesses and work on them, we conquer that insecurity.
“When we gain control of our ego: we become less likely to act aggressively, manipulate others, express dishonesty, and destroy resources. Instead, we take responsibility for and correct our mistakes, listen to others’ ideas, and keep our abilities in humble perspective.”
How to Practice Humility?
The answer to that lies in understanding humility. Here are a few tips that can help you become the best person in the world.
1. Just Be Human
Human beings have limitations and we need to accept that. Do not tie your worth to things like family, jobs, etc. That way when you fail, you know it is in no way a reflection of your self-worth. Suffice to say, humility requires high self-esteem.
2. Mindfulness and Self Compassion
When you know self-love only then how can you share that warmth with others? To prevent that self-love from crossing over into narcissism, mindfulness is important. Value yourself but also accept your limitations.
That way we know where unhealthy beliefs and actions are in the way of our goals.
3. Be Grateful for What You Have
Now all this does not mean that you should not strive for better. Just ensure that you truly enjoy what you already have.
Saying thank you to people for just doing their job won’t kill you, but it does make you a better person.
Let’s make it a point to exercise humility in our daily dealings from now on. You never know how it may help you achieve your goals. Science also agrees.
