Sunday, April 20, 2014

Life is a long lesson in humility

 Humility is a hall mark of great men. It is only the upstarts that suffer from ego and an inflated opinion of themselves. The greater the position one climbs, humbler one generally becomes. The really great men rarely need the crutches of instant recognition and adulation. Pride is what most men display unwilling to accept what they really are and suffering from illusions of what they really are not. I read that if men were clothed in humility, most would be scantily clad.
 Very few realize that we are in this world for a short period doing what is ordained and instead of taking pleasure in what we do, we attach importance to who did the work. We expect everyone to praise us and our work failing which we nurse bitterness. There is a craving for adulation and recognition in whatever we do. All the anger and frustration would not arise if we are not victims of self pity or self importance.
I have read that the great physicist and mathematician Einstein was embarrassed by the attention and admiration received by him very deservedly at that. He was humility personified when he wrote “There are plenty of the well-endowed, thank God. It strikes me as unfair, and even in bad taste, to select a few of them for boundless admiration, attributing superhuman powers of mind and character to them. This has been my fate, and the contrast between the popular estimate of my powers and achievements and the reality is simply grotesque.” 
Contrast this with our own tin-pot politicians and bureaucrats who believe genuinely that all the good that is happening in our country is because of them and keep harping on it.. There is really no  need to prove ourselves to others. Bragging with pride only diminishes the positive feelings others may have for us. Our work or accomplishments would speak for themselves better.
How many of us respond patiently to ordinary men and women either on the roads or offices when they ask us some questions? We are always in tearing hurry. Humility is genuine concern for others, big or small. Humility means being a better listener, being more patient with others, being helpful to utter strangers and letting others have their glory. Humility is in doing great and small acts of kindness without letting others know. Humility is in making peace with other’s imperfections and being more tolerant.

Humility is like underwear, essential, but indecent if it shows

11 comments:

  1. Humility appears to be forgotten in this fast paced world. Humility is a necessary trait which I think should be the foremost values

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  2. the last para esp needs to get into my mind.. well written n much needed at tis phase..

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  3. Great read! I agree totally and think a lot of politicians and hot-shot people up there would benefit from some good humility lessons - they should start by reading your post:-) :-) Thanks, i enjoyed it -. a good reminder and inspirational too.

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  4. When I talk about humility, it reminds me of Sachin and Rahul Dravid. This trait is so rare and unseen these days. I loved your ending paragraph. Such beautiful thoughts!!

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  5. Humility is becoming a rare thing. Great post yet again Sir!

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  6. My humility has made so many people act arrogant! But I continue to be humble because that is the way I am, it is wonderful to be humble.

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  7. Humility as a virtue that only goes to make the person larger than life! Beautifully weaved thoughts and a fantastic quote in the end! :) So true!

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  8. Another inspiring post, KP. I can't tell you enough how much I appreciate you sharing your godly wisdom with everyone here. Great post, as always. Humility is one of the strongest attributes that a person can have...though today, it has become the rarest virtue in a living community. It’s easier to be full of yourself and your abilities, but we know that pride goes before a fall.,,,Humility is beautiful, indeed. The last line says it all....Thanks for sharing...

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  9. I was following only your fictional posts.This aspect of yours is really useful.Though we are aware of it,awareness created by others is more solid.Nice.

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  10. "if men were clothed in humility, most would be scantily clad." now that is scary...

    I am often reminded of the Bible Scripture, "God opposes the proud but shows mercy to the humble."

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  11. Humanity is dominated by materials things in today's world. Well- written!

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