Humility and Being Humble by Teal Scott

[vervex]

After watching Teal's video and reading some of the replies, it seems not everyone present agrees on the definition of humility. To be sure, here is the definition of being "humble" according to the dictionary:

humble
[huhm-buh l, uhm-]

adjective, humbler, humblest.
1. not proud or arrogant; modest:
to be humble although successful.

2. having a feeling of insignificance, inferiority, subservience, etc.:
In the presence of so many world-famous writers I felt very humble.

3. low in rank, importance, status, quality, etc.; lowly:
of humble origin; a humble home.

4. courteously respectful:
In my humble opinion you are wrong.

5. low in height, level, etc.; small in size:
a humble member of the galaxy.

verb (used with object), humbled, humbling.
6. to lower in condition, importance, or dignity; abase.

7. to destroy the independence, power, or will of.

8. to make meek:
to humble one's heart.

As you can see, six out of eight of the definitions are, I would consider, mostly negative or lowering in nature. It's no wonder Teal denounces humility in her video considering its strictest definition. We have come to sometimes describe and experience humility differently in modern culture, and that is well; someone who does not believe they are above others is someone considered humble. Where the problem lies when it comes to humility, I believe, is when someone is told they must be of lesser importance than another, when they are told they must prove their worth and earn their dues. This also happens to correspond to the dictionary's definition of being humble. My understanding is that everyone is worthy of happiness, love and care, regardless of their status. An arrogant man, a balanced man and a humble man alike are deserving of unconditional support. However, it would seem several schools of thought among society and religion emphasize humility as the greatest of all virtues and, in some more extreme cases, as the only way to redemption.

Nowhere in the video does Teal ascribe to a philosophy of elevating the self above the others; she focuses instead on the celebration of everyone's individual gifts and vouches for harmony and love in all her videos.

Finally, I will have to respectfully disagree with you Fang about the following statement you made: "The most dangerous thing you can give a person is the idea that they are perfect". While I see all perspectives as valid, I do not believe a philosophy which relies on abasement of the self is effective in the long run; carrying such beliefs fervently can actually lead to the development of distortions related to low self-worth, guilt, shame and self-hatred. I believe all men and women are born perfect. I also believe that if more people were to adopt such a view, unconditional love inwards and outwards would flow more freely. And as for myself, in life, I am not moved by a desire for ascension, transcendence or perfection; I am simply moved by love for my desires, for myself and for others, equally valued.