Everything Counts: 52 Remarkable Ways to Inspire Excellence and Drive Results

Chapter 28. Humility Counts

"Acts performed with genuine humility also put so much more goodwill into circulation."

Humility is a virtue that many preach, but few know how to find. No man or woman can truly love, serve, persevere, dare mighty deeds, hope for the future, or honor the past without a humble heart. To serve well is to serve humbly.

Humility is to virtue as a foundation is to a house. For a house to withstand pressure, weight, and environmental stress, it needs to have a solid base that begins deep in the ground. The foundation of humility is modesty, selflessness, and respectfulness. Humility once established in our character makes us strong; and our strength is built in humility.

So what does it mean to be humble? Well, let's answer a question with six more just like it. See how the practice of humility can be the source of strength and effectiveness as a leader, at home, at school, and in the marketplace.

THE WHO, WHAT, WHERE, WHEN, HOW, AND WHY OF HUMILITY

1. Who are we when we practice humility? Who are we when we are not practicing humility?

   A humble person is generally thought to be unpretentious and modest, someone who does not think that he or she is better or more important than others. It's someone who demonstrates true humility, and does so quietly and subtly. Those who do not practice the virtue of humility tend to embrace the vices of arrogance, pride, and pretense. Arrogance is a state in which we are convinced that we have the right to think of ourselves above ...