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Isn't that a harmful effect of humbleness? Less teaching happens! I can tell you, most of what my parents and teachers and mentors and peers and students have
by DaniFong 18y ago
Isn't that a harmful effect of humbleness? Less teaching happens!
I can tell you, most of what my parents and teachers and mentors and peers and students have taught me was completely unsolicited. I didn't know they had something to teach me. But I sure am glad to have their wisdom with me now. Even in the dim light of memory, I've had things people taught me decades ago finally flower to utility in recent years.
- maxklein 18y agoThat's an interesting point you bring up. There is nothing wrong with people giving you advice, but there is a fine line between people telling stuff because they want to show how much they know, and peope telling you stuff because they care for you and want you to progress in life.
- DaniFong 18y agoI don't think there's a line between them, really. There's a gradient. People have egos, but what they do is not solely for self-aggrandizement, nor solely for altruistic motives.
- h34t 18y agoI agree. The whole idea of 'humility' needs to be unpacked (anyone know of a good essay or book on the subject?). It's one of the most frequently mentioned values in this thread, so obviously it's important to people (and to me)... but it can also cause a lack of self-expression or action based on fear of being seen as egotistical. I prefer to avoid the word "humble" and instead use "pretentious" to describe its lack (pretending to be someone you're not, to know more than you do, or to be more important than those around you), and "open-minded, eager to listen to criticism and change your mind" for its positive side. I enjoy people who express their opinions strongly, but are good listeners and quick to change their mind as the winds of reason and evidence change direction.