Humility – Modesty
By Ricky Lyons in : Culture Thoughts // Jul 14 2010
Is there a difference between humility and modesty? I think there is. There are many definitions of humility. From a business perspective many tend to use Jim Collins’ definition as described in his book Good To Great (www.JimCollins.com) which is ambitious first and foremost for the cause, organization, the work – not themselves. Modesty, as defined by Princeton [http://wordnetweb.princeton.edu/perl/webwn?s=modesty] is “freedom from vanity or conceit” or “formality and propriety of manner”.
Someone is often said to be immodest when they talk about what they have accomplished. People say they are bragging. That might well be so, but we are constantly required and should be required in business to tell others what we have accomplished. I don’t think that would be considered immodesty.
On the other hand, humility dictates that one does not do as she does for herself, but for others.
What is not pleasant and would be considered the opposite of humility is hubris. Hubris is defined as extreme haughtiness or arrogance. Hubris often indicates being out of touch with reality and overestimating one’s own competence or capabilities, especially for people in positions of power (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Hubris) In my opinion and in my business dealing, I do not belive being hubristic is acceptable.
So I pose a couple of questions for you:
Do you find yourself more attracted to people who are more humble than those who are hubristic?
Does it bother you when someone tells you of their accomplishments?
For me, I’m attracted to humble people I respect when they respectfully tell me of their accomplishments.
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