“What is your Culture”? Humility vs. Arrogance

Arrogance, an accepted agreement of others self-proclamation of greatness. The outward expression of one’s confidence, blurting outwardly only to disappoint all insecure individuals within its radius. According, to Webster himself "an offensive display of superiority or self- importance". Surely, arrogance may be something no one chooses willingly to coexist amongst. Today, it is this specific misjudgement of arrogance that I want to delve into. A generally accepted perspective not so often questioned, that outward confidence is arrogance. What if the commonsensical agreement of who's deemed arrogance VS. humble is backward? Could it be possible we've got it wrong and the majority are in turn the arrogant ones, not with their vocality, but through their actions? After all, aren't actions what truly count?

Humility; with Latin origin meaning "humilis" or "low". In ancient times those of "humble" beginnings were but the poor and underprivileged. They were groomed through repetitious conditioning to feel at awe or in nerve around those blessed with hierarchical lead. Not surprisingly it has been stated through the ages "when pride comes then comes disgrace, but with humility comes wisdom. From this perspective, prideful beliefs close the mind and completely limit all potential opportunities for growth. Without growth, there can only be one sure outcome ... death. This all may be true, but what if it were possible the difference in arrogance and humility wasn't definitive, but action oriented?

He stood to rise amongst his peers and his foe, the enemy. This gentle, man wasn't the tallest, the brightest or the strongest, but he had the only thing that matters. A larger vision. As Andrew Carnegie once said, “what the mind can conceive and believe the mind will achieve", the only catch is one has to believe it enough to preach it. Boastfully and with pure determination this fighter exclaimed, "I am the greatest, I knew that even before I was" - Muhammad Ali. An outwardly arrogant, but introvertedly humble gentle, man.

Muhammad Ali is a perfect example of an individual whom gained notoriety for his brilliant exclamations of greatness. Appearing in the eye of the common man as prideful, arrogant and even worse names we mustn't repeat, but could this be wrong? When we take a look at the greats such as Muhammad Ali, Michael Jordan, Connor McGregor and so on we find a commonwealth of shared behaviors. Outward arrogance and practiced introverted humility. They are all boastful, passionate and seemingly prideful, but their actions beg to differ. When it comes to being, "coachable" the most important factor of humility and what it really stands for they all pass with flying colors. Based on the obvious necessity to exclaim one's confidence and the sheer dedication to working on their craft. I would argue a new perspective for what arrogance and humble really are. In fact, most persons would appear to be outwardly humble, but introvertedly arrogant! By most I mean you. Yes, you. Now, before you get angry with me read on.. for you may find that in my finale case you prove me wrong, not with your words but with your actions. Read closely, which person are you?

Outwardly humble, but introvertedly arrogant, what could that possibly mean? Great questions my dear reader, are you able to recollect a similar conversation from your own life? "I am humble I swear". (me) "Oh yeah"? (me) “You're humble you say"? "Yes, I am". (Me) "Well, if that's true I’m so curios, what was the last book you read or mentor you learned from"? "Last book and Mentor"? “I don't read much, I don't have time... and mentor? I don't know, why would I need that? I know what I'm doing. I have 10 years in my business". (me)"Ah you know what you're doing huh"? "Yeah I do". (Me) “Ok, well I guess the question you must ask your self is this, do you have 10 years of experience or... 1 year of experience 10 times over. After all, we can't see the entire picture if we're in the frame."

I stand before all today to make this point. All great people and by great, I mean those whom have accomplished unbelievable feats. Those whom have by their actions not their words, inspired others to learn more do more and believe they could become more were all outwardly arrogant and introvertedly humble. Contrary to the greats or the achievers have been the masses, the majority. Although they exclaim their humility only the actions they fulfill show their true character. A character flawed with self-denial and brutal arrogance. For if one isn't able to introspect, aim high and work tirelessly they are in fact arrogant. The next time someone appears bold, boastful and out of line consider one thing. He may be a great not because of his birthright, but due to his confidence and willingness to learn and act. Ask yourself now, are you outwardly humble, but introvertedly arrogant like most whom believe their "humble"; or are you outwardly arrogant and introvertedly humble like all man and women whom have made the world a better place? Let the truth set you free my friend! – Jay Doran