Humble (hum·ble) /ˈhəmbəl/
adjective
- having a feeling of insignificance, inferiority, subservience, etc.
- of low social, administrative, or political rank.
verb
- lower (someone) in dignity or importance.
- decisively defeat (another team or competitor, typically one that was previously thought to be superior).
Society will tell you to be humble. They want you to keep your mouth shut. They will convince you that it is honorable to keep quiet. They will convince you to look down upon others who take pride in themselves, their accomplishments, and their work.
Society fears you. They’re afraid of your power. Their fear drives them to suppress your successes by convincing you to suppress them yourself. They will get you to do the dirty work for them. They will have you take pride in your quiet humbleness. They will pat you on your back and whisper good job for your silence. They will breed you to maintain this behavior.
I’m here to tell you otherwise. I’m here to tell you that society leverages the myth of honorable humbleness because they’re jealous. Society constantly craves more, they constantly crave their own success, they constantly crave the glory of being put on the pedestal, and they will do whatever it takes to ensure it’s them up there and not you.
I’m here to tell you that humbleness won’t bring you riches, fame, or glory, but rather, it’ll hold you back. Humbleness is a tactical game managed by outsiders, not by those who experience success. To be humble is to surrender yourself to the selfish comfort of others.
If you have experienced success, the world deserves to know. When we thrive off of each other’s successes, we grow together.
If you are proud or excited about your progress, the world deserves to know. When we are able to be excited by each other’s pride and excitement, we will excite and inspire one another.
If you do not define yourself and your own success, others will define them for you. Don’t allow others to be in charge of your name, your fate, and your life.
Not being humble does not equate to putting yourself on a pedestal. Not being humble does not equate to holding yourself up and belittling others. Not being humble does not equate to narcissism. Not being humble does not equate to ignorance.
Not being humble is the recognition that you do not have to wait for others to label you as important—you are already important. Not being humble is acknowledging that we’ve crafted a mindset and societal habit of holding back. Not being humble is the realization that you do not have to wait for someone else’s approval or have to please everyone. Not being humble is to reject the idea that you must constantly belittle your own work.
We are as insignificant as we allow ourselves to be. Do not sit around waiting for others to hoist you up.
Good people build each other up. Good people grow together. Good people are interested in the successes of others. Good people don’t suppress the pride and excitement of others.
I believe the humble mindset is inherently negative and toxic. I do not believe in teaching others to think less of themselves or their accomplishments. Don’t let them win. Don’t do the dirty work for them. Stop being humble. You can accomplish great things.