Pride and humility are two words that are often used in contrast to each other. The key difference between pride and humility could be – pride refers to having an excessively high opinion of one’s importance where as humility refers to having a modest opinion of oneself. These lessons help to understand SDG 4 quality education in an ancient indian Perspective.
Humility
In the Epic Ramayan, Ravan lies mortally wounded on the battlefield and the vanarsena is celebrating their victory, when Ram turns to his brother, Lakshman, and says, “While Ravan was a demon king, he was also a great scholar. Go to him and request him to share his knowledge.”
Lakshman rushes to Ravan’s side and whispers in his ears, “Demon king, the noble Ram gives you an opportunity to mend your ways. Share your vast wisdom. Do not let it die with you. For that you will be surely be blessed.”
Ravan does not reply. He simply turns away. An angry Lakshman goes back to Ram and says: “He is as arrogant as he always was, too proud to share anything.” Ram looks at his brother and asks him softly, “Where did you stand while asking him for knowledge?” “Next to his head so that I hear what he had to say clearly.”on hearing this, Ram smiles, places his bow on the ground and walks towards Ravan.
Lakshman is astonished to see his brother kneeling at Ravan’s feet. With palms joined, with extreme humility, Ram says, “Lord of Lanka, I punished you for abducting my wife. You are no more my enemy. I see you now as the wise son of Rishi Vishrava. I bow to you and request you to share your wisdom with me. Or else, all your wisdom will be lost forever to the world.” Ravan opens his eyes and raises his arms to salute Ram and shares his knowledge. It is the humility that Ram showed that made Ravana share his knowledge.
How are these values related to our daily lives?
When you think of a leader several qualities come to mind – charismatic, visionary, risk taking and so on. But humility is one word that is not generally associated with leadership. Yet, it is seen as a virtue.
Journal of Management, September 2015 published that a survey of 105 computer software and hardware firms revealed that humility in CEOs led to higher-performing leadership teams, increased collaboration and cooperation and flexibility in developing strategies.
Humility is most closely associated with a cluster of highly positive qualities including sincerity, modesty, fairness, truthfulness, unpretentiousness and authenticity. It is a part of the Emotional Quotient.
What do these humble leaders do?
- Humble leaders admit to their mistakes and take responsibility.
- When things go right, they share the success with the others.
- They are open to others opinions
Pride On the contrary, can lead to downfall. Our dignity and self-respect is referred to as “Good pride”. “Bad pride” reeks of conceit and arrogance. It’s this pride which gives us trouble.
- Pride Stops Us from Building a Team. We feel we are the best .
- Stephen Covey has said, “It takes humility to seek feedback. It takes wisdom to understand it, analyze it, and appropriately act on it.”
- Pride does not seek feedback and it Prevents Us from Admitting Mistakes
- Pride Destroys Relationships. Pride makes one get too absorbed with oneself. This might lead to alienation from the friends. It might also prevent one from enjoying the successes of friends.
- Pride Distorts Your Perspective on Reality. Many problems in business are caused by the ego interfering with judgment.
How to Correct the Pride Problem
1. Recognize Your Pride.
2. Admit Your Pride
3. Thankfulness may consist merely of words. Gratitude is shown in acts. Express Your Gratitude Thankfulness is the beginning of gratitude. Gratitude is the completion of thankfulness.