The Circle Blueprint

Chapter 12Humility

 

The Violet

Down in a green and shady bed,

A modest violet grew;

Its stalk was bent, it hung its head

As if to hide from view.

 

And yet it was a lovely flower,

Its colour bright and fair;

It might have graced a rosy bower,

Instead of hiding there.

 

Yet thus it was content to bloom,

In modest tints arrayed;

And there diffused a sweet perfume,

Within the silent shade.

 

Then let me to the valley go

This pretty flower to see;

That I may also learn to grow

In sweet humility.

—Jane Taylor

The dilemma of true humility is captured so well by Ms. Taylor. Can we possess all of our beauty in such a way that we are content living in a “green and shady bed”? Can we enjoy all of our greatness while being content with being ordinary? This may not be such an easy task!

The Humility Element

Humility is quite simple to understand. Merriam‐Webster defines humility as “the quality or state of not thinking you are better than other people: the quality or state of being humble.”

For the purpose of the Circle we will define humility as having an accurate opinion of your talents, accomplishments, and limitations and keeping them in perspective. Humility is eliminating your self‐focus to the point of forgetting yourself.

We have determined that there are five factors that make up the humility domain.

1. Modesty is the absence of the need to have your accomplishments ...