Humble

I am not sure how many of us remember what people wrote on our year book. At the time of my graduation from a Hong Kong primary school, the school didn't have a formal year book per se, but the need to create a memorabilia was just the same.

I had a booklet that I passed around for my buddies to sign, and many of them regurgitated ancient proverbs as their departing gifts for me. Nothing memorable, really. But then again what could you expect from a bunch of 12-year old kids. I am pretty sure my comments were just as lame.

I also passed this book to teachers whom I respected dearly and they too cited some well known short poems or age-old rhymes of encouragement as my final lectures.

But actually it was my mom and dad who got the first dib on that booklet. I couldn't remember who wrote the following because I (must shamefully admit that I) do not know where that booklet is nowadays. But the proverb had left an unmistakable impression on me, for after over 2 decades I could still remember it clearly.

Naturally, it was written in Chinese. The English translation is roughly like this:

don't be troubled that others haven't noticed,
but do be worried that others go unnoticed.

In other words, be humble. Having a sense of humility does not mean that one should cower in a cubical and rarely socialize or interact, or to avoid bringing any attention to one self.

Humble is not a weakness, it does not mean lacking self-importance or self-confidence.

Humble means modesty in behavior and attitude.

Humble, as in the opposite of arrogant or prideful.

This lesson applies to individuals, companies, and countries. Be mindful of our surroundings, be ready to graciously accept inputs and suggestions, and be at peace with yourself through the understanding your strengths.