Humility means being submissive or meek?

The theme of this month is humility. Many may think that humility means being submissive or meek, but in fact it has nothing to do with the above. It is an attitude of spiritual modesty that comes from understanding our place in the larger order of things, entailing us not to take our desires, successes, or failures too seriously. Humility is when you don’t boast about your strengths or brag about your successes, but to understand your capabilities and are willing to be helped with a grateful heart.

Having a humble mindset has significant positive effects on our social and decision-making skills. Humility is directly related to our ability and willingness to learn, which is why humble people are always better learners and problem solvers. A humble student who is genuinely open to all feedback, both complimentary and derogatory, often surpasses their naturally more talented peers who think highly of their own abilities and reject all advice. This is because the humble student is able to reflect on themselves and make improvements based on others’ words, while the other peers cease to improve.

One of the most famous humble people is Nelson Mandela, who served as the first president of South Africa. He heroically dedicated his life and energy to improving living conditions and cultivating racial reconciliation. Nelson Mandela was renowned for his humility. He was not afraid to admit his own mistakes or shortcomings. One notable example occurred during his presidency when he faced criticism for his delayed and ambiguous responses to several crises, including the widespread of AIDS in South Africa. However, he later publicly acknowledged the errors he made in addressing these emergencies and spoke candidly about his regrets. This level of self-reflection and admission of mistakes demonstrated his humility and willingness to learn from the past.

“Lead from the back and let others believe they are in front.” This famous quote by Nelson Mandela exemplifies his emphasis on shared success, recognizing that achievements during his presidency were the result of collaborative efforts. He shared credit and recognition once again demonstrating his humility. Ever hopeful that the leaders of the land we live, we love, and we lie on, can embrace humility as Mandela did. By doing so, they can inspire and guide us toward a brighter future, where humility becomes a guiding principle in our collective endeavors. To summarize, humility is not a sign of weakness or submission, but a virtue that empowers us to learn, grow, and work together. Let us follow in the footsteps of Nelson Mandela, embracing humility in our own lives and interactions. Together, we can create a world where humility is cherished, where we recognize our place in the larger order of things, and where we work collaboratively towards a brighter future.

6M
5 October 2023