The Wisdom of Humility

What can you really be confident in or about? 

I mean, really, about what can you be absolutely certain?

I'd assert, not much.

Maybe death.

But who really knows if even that is an ultimate end?

And yet...

We are creatures that find comfort in and cling to the status quo.

We like to know what's expected and where we stand.

We crave assurance and reassurance.

And despite the many mythological, historical, and current examples of the consequences of hubris (the ancient Greek word for excessive pride or arrogance), we continue to reward those who project overconfidence and certainty with power and prestige.

Why?

In the myths and tragedies of the ancient Greeks, the ultimate effect of hubris is nemesis—divine retribution (literally "to get what is due"). Almost every ancient spiritual tradition teaches this as well.

In short, the consequence of excessive certainty, confidence, or pride is humiliation.

What to do?

Fortunately, human beings are full of paradoxes. We embrace certainty and the status quo, and we are curious and excel at exploration.

When we notice hubris, we can name it, navigate away from inevitable humiliation, and move toward humility instead.

We can get curious. 

We can nurture consideration.

We can cooperate and co-create a better way forward.

Where are the false confidences and dangerous certainties in your life? How might you notice, name, and navigate them?

Scott Perry, Chief Difference-Maker at Creative on Purpose. 

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