Humility, the True Measure of Greatness
Humility is a trait that is often admired in people but practiced very rarely. While there is a tendency to assume humility to be a sign of weakness, it is in fact an invaluable strength that has the power to propel individuals to their highest levels of achievement.
In a world filled with constant competition and an urge to one-up everyone else, humility is an underrated quality that allows those with the virtue to separate themselves from the pack. It is the trait that allows individuals to find the confidence to accept failures and learn from them, without allowing them to cloud their judgment. True humility can bring out the best in leaders, allowing them to step away from their ego and to put others before them, while also maintaining their authority. Humility can empower individuals with the strength to become genuinely successful, rather than achieve fleeting success.
Humility also allows individuals to cultivate meaningful relationships with those around them without the need to establish dominance. Instead, recognizing others’ skills, talents and perspectives can open the door to create comfortable, supportive relationships. Generosity of spirit comes easily to the humble, who don’t feel the need to take all the credit, nor fear that others may take it from them.
Humility should not be confused with self-deprecation or servitude, both of which can be detrimental to a person’s growth. The humble individual does not believe themselves to be lesser or unworthy, but rather recognizes that everyone has something to contribute and inspire. They seek to leverage the skills and experience of those around them, displaying a willingness to learn from the successes and even the failures of others, in order to recognize their potential and reach their own level of greatness.
Humility is the foundation of true greatness – and it is something that anyone can choose to possess. As British statesman William Gladstone wrote, “Humility is the foundation of all the other virtues; hence, in the soul as in the body it’s the first thing to which we must approximate.” Without humility, greatness is unattainable.
