The Greek philosopher Socrates held that wisdom is, above all, knowing what we don’t know. In this ancient Chinese form, humility can significantly enhance social cohesion and our sense of belonging. The Confucian form of humility, for example, is profoundly other oriented in spirit, consistently valuing the social good over the satisfaction of our individual aspirations. Humility is a core value in many ancient ethical and theological frameworks. The Importance of Humility in Relationships.Techniques for Humble Leadership and Workplace.These detailed, science-based exercises will help you or your clients realize your unique potential and create a life that feels energized and authentic. Last but not least, humility is a perfect antidote to the self-fixated spirit of our age.īefore you continue, we thought you might like to download our three Strengths Exercises for free. They have established fascinating links between humility and our ability to learn and be effective leaders, and our readiness to engage in prosocial behavior.Īdopting a more humble mindset increases our overall psychological wellbeing and ensures our social functioning. In the past decade in particular, psychologists have rediscovered the importance of humility. It entails not taking our desires, successes, or failings too seriously.

Humility is an attitude of spiritual modesty that comes from understanding our place in the larger order of things. And neither does it mean being self-effacing or submissive. At first sight, the ancient virtue of humility is not a particularly appealing one.ĭeriving from the word humus (earth), it appears to clash with our current valuation of self-worth and self-realization.īut humility has nothing to do with meekness or weakness.

What does it mean to be humble