Merriam-Webster defines humility as “freedom from pride or arrogance”—and humility, it seems, has gone out of fashion. Modern society seems to encourage character traits that fly in the face of humility, such as narcissism, entitlement, and self-centeredness.
We’re surrounded by experts and gurus claiming to have all the answers; arguing seems to have become a national pastime, contributing to an environment of discord and combativeness; and arrogance is commonplace and misconstrued as confidence. As a result, relationships have been robbed of warmth and deep connection.
Our ancestors deemed humility to be fundamental. In the East, Confucius called humility “the solid foundation of all virtues.” In the West, the Bible has much to say about humility: for example, “Do nothing out of selfish ambition or vain conceit, but in humility consider others better than yourselves.” (Philippians 2:3)…