The H word: humility

The word 'humility' is used from time to time in the press and usually stands for self-deprecating behaviour, agreeing with someone who criticises you, not being pushy. But actually you can be pushy, refuse to agree with personal criticism and even be rather boastful- and still be genuinely humble. Humility - as a useful term - simply means adopting an 'open' posture towards learning. The more open you are the greater your humility. A shy modest person who refuses to seriously consider any new information is the prideful one.

Comments

[xabier]

This seems to be what the action-philosopher Idries Shah used to say: humility is a learning tool to get you somewhere, not an exercise in self-humiliation or masochism for its own sake. Posture rather than posturing.