Complexity

We must stop confusing humility with self-confidence. When a person looks at his weaknesses, his drives, and the places where he is still small, he must be humble, acknowledge the truth, and not rush to take offense or defend himself. But when he looks at his soul, his powers, and the light entrusted within him, he must not diminish himself. He must give room to greatness, to broad thinking, and to lofty aspirations. Most of us do exactly the opposite: too proud to admit weakness, and too small to believe in the good within us. Thus every criticism threatens us, and at the same time we also refuse to dream and to break through. True humility is not the thought that I am worthless, but the ability to say: there are parts of me that need repair, but they are not all of who I am. Precisely one who acknowledges his weakness can absorb an insult without falling apart, and one who acknowledges his light can rise and repair without despairing.