[SeptemberMorn]

Have the humility

If you think you already know all the answers, you're not likely to learn much of anything new. Yet when you have the humility to admit you don't know something, there is a world of knowledge to be gained. If the only point of view you ever consider is your own, you'll be continually held back by a narrow, limited, stagnant perspective. Yet when you have the humility to consider the opinions of others, your eyes will be opened to a world of new opportunities.

When you put all your thoughts and energy into your own concerns, the world will seem a cold and heartless place to you. Yet when you have the humility to give of yourself to others, life becomes infinitely more warm, joyful and fulfilling.

Snobbishness, disrespect, rudeness and self importance are desperate and pathetic expressions of inner weakness. Humility, on the other hand, is a sure sign of real, abiding strength and confidence.

True greatness does not grow from arrogance, selfishness or rude, inconsiderate behavior. True greatness is firmly rooted in humility.

Practice real, sincere humility as you go through each of life's moments. And your own unique greatness will come shining through.

-- Ralph Marston

[Fuzzybear]

I like this too! ((((((((((((((((((((Tomi))))))))))))))))))))

Bearhugs
Fuzzy

Definately a lesson to be learned here. I really enjoyed this. Makes me look in my own mirror. Thanks (((((((((((((((Tomi)))))))))))))))

[mj14]

Humility and pride are such tricky beasts. They sit on opposite ends of a seesaw, and they have to remain in balance to keep things going.

I like very much the first paragraph that talks about having the humility to consider the opinions of others, and to be open to new knowledge. At the core of humility is the practice of never putting yourself above others. To accept that the needs of others have at least as much validity as your own needs. That their beliefs and opinions carry as much weight as your own.

But humility taken to the extreme becomes injurious...to put others so much ahead of you that your needs, beliefs and opinions disappear leaves you without a self.

I have had a number of discussions about arrogance and humility with a friend of mine who is an activist. And there is a very good argument that arrogance and single-mindedness are necessary conditions to being a truly successful activist...because without that belief that your position is the only one that is remotely defensible, it can be almost impossible to overcome the hurdles that the opposition puts in your way.

If we look back at former presidents, the one who appears to show the greatest humility is Jimmy Carter, yet he is widely regarded as one of the least effective presidents of the modern era.

So both humility a pride are double-edged swords. While I'm sure most of us could use a healthy dose of humility, many of us also need an injection of pride as well.

Thanks for the post, Tomi...it gave me some good food for thought.

Jo

[nothemama8]

Truth hurts, now I got to practice what I preach, ohhhhh you make this tough lady. hehehehe
Angie

[misty]

Hopefully one day I will be at that happy medium! Do not understand. Onday so intervert yet another total opposite. Would like so much to find that middle ground where I am not a matt or over powering.

[SeptemberMorn]

MJ, thanks for helping me clarify my dilema. Herein is where it lies:

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I like very much the first paragraph that talks about having the humility to consider the opinions of others, and to be open to new knowledge.

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I try very much to be open to the opinions of others and give them their due consideration, especially when I feel that I've been critizised. If there is any room for improvement in me, I want to know about it.

But then, my inner voice tells me:

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At the core of humility is the practice of never putting yourself above others.

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I feel as if I do this quite a bit. Not here, but in 3D. I'm too quick to call someone "stupid" or an "idiot" or on "obliviot." It's a combination of oblivious and idiot. Cognitively, I don't put myself above others, but the fact that I call them names tells me that's what I think.

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... single-mindedness [is] necessary condition[s] to being a truly successful activist...because without that belief that your position is the only one that is remotely defensible, it can be almost impossible to overcome the hurdles that the opposition puts in your way.

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I'm not an "activist" as such, but I do feel that I have something important to say and I want others to hear me and understand. My poor husband has to deal with me always preaching to him to "have the courage of your convictions!" I don't think he does. He seems to sway with the breeze. Like a poster said in one of my English classes: "Stand for something or fall for anything." That hit my right in the heart! I made that statement mine from that day on. What do I believe? Who am I and what do I stand for? When I figured it out, I cemented my feet in my belief. I know what I know! But then, I'm the first to admit that I still don't know myself that well.

There sits Tomi on the horns of her dilema!