Photo by Mariel Reiser
Thought for the Week: Humility vs. Self-Absorption
According to a recent study, only about 50% of men over age seventy are still sexually active. But when surveyed, nearly 100% of them say they are. Apparently, it’s not diamonds that are forever (or sex). It’s ego.
“Know thyself” is the first of three famous maxims carved in the ancient Temple of Apollo. However, this must be taken in context, warned the Greek philosopher Pausanius, with the other two maxims: “But nothing to excess” and “Certainty brings insanity.”
The current age, it seems, has enshrined the first, and forgotten the latter.
Your fingers are actually quite small. But if you hold one up in front of your eyes, it appears to be taller than the tallest skyscraper. Trust me, I’m an only child–and a writer–so I know whereof I speak. But in the end, even I am capable of understanding that:
It is humility, not self-absorption, that is the key to knowing our true selves.
All of these quotes resonate.
Thank you for sharing, Mitch.
My privilege, Nigel.
C.S. Lewis and Rumi are my favorites. Thank you, Mitch. Jesus taught some great things, while building a bridge between humanity and God. The greatest lesson (for me) is to not be too self-absorbed.
👍
Men always exaggerate. I tried online dating. They lied about most stuff but especially about their height. Somehow a 5-3” man was suddenly 5’9” and a 5’9” man is 6’1”. Did they not understand women would know they lied the minute they saw them? I was accused of lying about my age but I was always honest.
;>)
“A person completely wrapped up in himself makes a small package.” Harry Emerson Fosdick
Great quote, C.A.
Yes, well said, Mitch. We are living in strange times. I had to laugh, recently I saw some photos of kids posing with their teachers on an outing, taking selfies together. All very cute, it is just that back in the day we wouldn’t be caught dead in a photo shoot with our teacher in funny poses making fish lips and if such a thing ever wound up on the internet we’d be mortified. We’d have to change our name and move!
The whole cultural mindset has shifted. I hope that somewhere among all the selfies people have the chance to get to know their true selves. Maybe this kind of shared, public experience will aid in that somehow.
Let’s hope so, Gabrielle.
That image looks like something out of A Clockwork Orange.
It does rather, doesn’t it, Mark?
You got me thinking as you typically do, and now I wonder if humility actually clears out space inside to consider and care about others.
I do believe it does, Christopher.
These are great quotes to reflect upon. I particularly like Rick Warren’s. Thanks, Mitch, for a poignant thought of the week. 😁
My pleasure, Nancy.
I have thought about this a lot over the years. Great topic. I think I landed on the idea that we all have an ego, and egos aren’t bad. They do a job. And it’s fine to be proud of yourself every day, especially for healthy choices. But also, ultimately, ego isn’t the source of our greatest wisdom.
So interesting… when I recall a time of disappointment, I ask was I being humble? Or did I feel humiliated? The ego certainly knows.
David Wilkerson taught that Pride is independence from God and humility is dependence on God.