Definition
To recognize with accuracy his qualities, limitations and place among others, without diminishing or growing artificially.
Humility is a relatively fair perception of self: it recognizes qualities as limits, successes as addictions. It does not ask to be lowered. On the contrary, it allows to occupy its place without constantly having to compare, dominate or hide its uncertainties.
To be retained
- Recognizing your skills without arrogance
- Admit Your Errors
- Valorizing the contribution of others
- Staying available for learning
Origin of the term and context
The word comes from the Latin humiliating, humus-related earth. This origin evokes a position anchored, close to the real, rather than a humiliation.
Why does it matter?
Humility facilitates learning, listening and cooperation, and allows us to recognize our mistakes without denying our dignity or our skills.
- Facilitating learning
- Improving cooperation
- Making exchanges more open
- Reduce certain defensive behaviour
How can I practice it?
- Say "I don't know" when it's true
- Asking for an honest return
- Recognizing the contribution of others
- Celebrating Successes without Crushing
Misconceptions and points of caution
- Humility does not mean low self-esteem.
- She does not require to hide her skills.
- To be humble is not to be humble.
Perspectives from different traditions
- Christianity: service and simplicity.
- Taoism: image of water that remains low.
- Stoicism: awareness of its place in the whole.
To go further
- L-Humility — Bernard de Clairvaux, historical context
- Ego Is the Enemy — Ryan Holiday