Bernie Rabik: All about humility
What is humility? I know it when I see it. Difficult if not impossible to define. But I know it when I see it in another person.
We are taught from early childhood to be humble. Humility is a virtue in Christianity, Islam, Judaism and other religions.
Humility is a tricky virtue to talk about. If you say you’re not humble, you’re probably telling the truth. On the other hand, if you say you are humble, you’re probably not, because people who are humble don’t go around bragging about it. Then there’s the paradox that to be humble is good but to be humbled is really bad. Tricky, right?
According to Benjamin Friedman, an economist at Harvard University, being a good person, which would presumably include being humble, was essential in the development of the economy. “if some guy is a jerk, you don’t have to do business with him,” he said., “You move on to the next stall.”
St. Francis of Assisi stressed the need for humility, rejecting his wealthy family, dressing in coarse peasant garb and living off alms. St. Thomas Aquinas, his near contemporary, agreed with Francis on the need for morally just prices, but saw nothing sinful in striving to make money.
But if by humility we mean listening to other people without presumption and being willing to learn from them, that’s a virtue that can fuel innovation and growth. Deirdre McCloskey, an economist, said “Who is wise? One who learns from every person.”
St. Augustine said, “We must not esteem by pretending to esteem, but should really think it possible for another person to have something that is hidden to us and whereby he is better than we are.”
Good advice. Humility can be smart.
Jacinda Ardern has shocked the world by announcing that she was stepping down from her role as prime minister of New Zealand.
The politician, 42, who has led the country since 2017, revealed during a press conference that she “no longer has enough in the tank” to do the job justice.
In an emotional speech, the mother of one explained that it was “time to step down.” She confirmed that her final day would be no later than Feb. 7.
Ardern was seen leaving the New Zealand Labor party’s annual caucus meeting with her husband., Clark Gayford, with whom she shares 4-year-old daughter Neve.
How do you know whether your tank is empty? The prime minister added that she had felt a “range of emotions, including sadness and a sense of relief.”
Having an empty tank is much more than just feeling stressed: when we’re overloaded and under pressure, we feel like we just need an extra day in the week; and, then we’d be back on track.
Everyone may be vulnerable to experiencing an “empty tank” at certain points in their life.
No one is immune, and we can’t always prevent it. There are some traumatic life experiences that result in this natural human response, and we need to take time out and heal.
Equally, there are times when it can completely creep up on you, a slow build that feels busy but normal, until suddenly, it’s all too much.
If you’re noticing the feeling of retreat, and “being completely unable to meet the demands of your day”, then it’s likely that you know you’re reaching your point of overwhelm. “Recharging at this point is essential.”
You must be brave enough to step back.
In sum, humility is a virtue. But can a humble person succeed in today’s world?
Finally, when your toes almost touch the ground. Stop! To be sure, you are then humble.
Bernard Rabik, a Hopewell Township attorney, is a columnist for The Times.
This article originally appeared on Beaver County Times: Rabik: All about humility
