The Wisdom of Humility

 

There is an old Japanese proverb by an unknown poet: “The more ripe the rice, the more the ear of rice droops.” Observing how heavy, ripened rice bends toward the ground, the proverb teaches that the more we learn and mature, the more humble we become—never forgetting gratitude and respect for those around us. Humility, grounded in curiosity, is a deeply rational quality, because it honestly acknowledges one’s limitations and continually seeks growth by absorbing new knowledge and skills. As a result, humble people tend to listen well, reduce friction with others, and build trusting relationships, making cooperation easier when it matters. This quality is essential not only for the young but also for those after retirement. An arrogant or overly proud elderly person may hinder their own re-learning in a new stage of life and struggle to form meaningful relationships, both of which are vital for a rich and fulfilling senior life. If we hope to continue growing spiritually until the very end, humility is a quality we should consciously and consistently nurture.

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