Humor in the sun!

Grady Gives A Speech On Humility To The National Arrogance Convention In Washington, DC

                                                                      Humility

    To my fellow high school students,  it is indeed an honor and privilege to speak to you on this day.    It is an honor that draws me to an attribute that I strive to embrace each and every day.   This attribute or virtue is the catalyst for understanding and wisdom.   This attribute is called humility.  In defining humility, one needs to take into account the definition in Webster’s dictionary.  It states that humility is “the quality of being humble”.   It further defines humble as “meek” or “submissive”.   I would characterize that as being gentle or obedient.   In the book of Proverbs 11:2,  King Solomon states that “When pride comes, then comes disgrace, but with humility comes wisdom”.   This tells me that when one chooses to act out of arrogance, he will not inherit wisdom but foolishness. An example of this would be a person who thought that he was right in a certain scenario but was proven to be wrong, yet he would not admit to it.  That person has chosen foolishness over wisdom.  Which would you choose?

     A second description of humility comes from Charles Haddon Spurgeon.  He states that “Humility is to make a right estimate of one’s self.  It is no humility for a man to think less of himself than he ought, though it might rather puzzle him to do that”.  Mr. Spurgeon is suggesting that one should examine himself and be truthful in that examination so that a proper assessment can be made of one’s life.  If one thinks “high” of himself, he may appear to be too “cocky” and if he sees himself too “low”, he may appear to be less than fully confident.  An example of this would be a musician who plays average but thinks that he is the best in the city while another potentially great musician sees himself only as a below average player .  A proper self assessment is pertinent to improvement.

     A third description of humility comes from Kong Fu Zi.  He stated that “Humility is the solid foundation of all virtues”.  Kong Fu Zi is eloquently saying that without humility as the cornerstone,  all other attributes have no place to anchor.  An example of this would be a house that was built on sinking sand instead of a solid rock.   Without that solid foundation, the house will not stand.

    The last description of humility comes from George Artiss.  He stated that “Humility is the only true wisdom by which we prepare our minds for all the possible changes of life”.  Mr. Arliss implies that is one can adequately prepare for all of the ups and downs of life if he utilizes humbles himself and seeks wisdom.  An example of this would be following the advice of a great teacher who has already gained experience in a certain area and can provide guidance if the student humbles himself, listens and learns.

     In closing, I have attempted to provide meaning to the virtue of humility, using references from four men who explored this attribute many years ago, yet the descriptions are as valuable today as they were then.  If we choose humility, we choose wisdom over foolishness, appropriate self assessment over arrogance or self consciousness,  a solid foundation over sinking sand and a walk of confidence over a seat of fear.  Humility is very important in the growth of one’s character.  The question for you is, “what do you choose?”   I choose humility.