xx Humility, Foundation of all Virtues

Humility is the foundation of all the other virtues hence, if it does not exist in one's soul there cannot be any other virtue except in mere appearance. The habit of showing humility can begin with small steps. We can start by making certain behavior a habit and before we know it, we'll be demonstrating it without even knowing it.

We could swallow our pride occasionally, it's not fattening. We can try very hard to be modest in our daily online activities. I have learned that true merit, like a river, the deeper it is, the less noise it makes. Here are some inspiring thoughts inspired by the writings of Stanley McWillimas.

A quote from Confucius says that humility is the solid foundation of all virtues. Lack of humility has caused a lot of difficulties in our lives, conflict among family members and friends and squabble within the organization.

Humility does not mean thinking less of yourself than of other people, nor does it mean having a low opinion of your own gifts.  It means freedom from thinking about yourself at all. ~William Temple

Although a lack of humility often takes many forms, it has always manifested within us a degree of arrogance and self-importance which restrict a sober perspective of self worth and actually masked qualities such as kindness, understanding and loyalty which we strive to depict.

Let us not confuse humility with timidity, self-abasement nor self-denigration. It is a degree of self confidence that discounts the need to preach our own resume, allowing others to discover our talents through the actions we exhibit in a humble but aggressive quest of accomplishments.

Humility is the process of controlling our own ego and exalting the efforts and achievements of others. It is rejecting personal adulation and praising the achievements of the team or group, all the while paying witness to everyday people who have the ability to do something worthwhile without drawing attention to themselves. It is listening with empathy and not considering what to say next. It is evaluating the merit of criticism and providing a constructive response. It is an understanding that humility is a source of strength and not submissiveness.

A man wrapped up in himself makes a very small bundle. 
~Benjamin Franklin

Sometimes there is a need to swallow our pride to prevent us from losing race in no-win situations. Let us accept the fact that we cannot always prevent others to be critical. At some point, we must ask whether the correction of others is relative to our needs.

Practice in the mirror saying these three magic words: "You are right." Seek the input of honest brokers when evaluating leadership and personal character traits, share credit for success with others and reinforce the philosophy for your constituents.

Humility improves relationships, both horizontally and vertically and removes anxiety. Humility will allow us to stand in the presence of something larger than ourselves; something that is infinite, transcendent and encompasses all things.

The right choice is being neither a bully nor a wimp, while tempering righteous superiority with sensible pragmatism that teaches us to manage our pride. The humbler we are, the greater we would be, as he who humbles himself shall be exalted; he who exalts himself shall be humbled.

By Tim Pedrosa


Humility dismisses nothing, rather, it takes even small things into consideration. It recognizes that whatever life presents, needs to be respected. Small things are easily found in something big, but inside little things there is often greatness. ~unknown

Tim