Life, Explained

Humility vs Confidence

David

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0:00 | 3:39

Can you be truly humble and confident at the same time? Or does becoming more humble mean holding yourself back?

In this episode, Seuseungnim explains that humility and confidence are not opposites at all. They deal with two entirely different aspects of life. Confidence is the willingness to step forward, take action, and challenge yourself so that you can grow. Humility concerns how we relate to and treat others.

Seuseungnim explains that some people are naturally bold and willing to take risks. They may make mistakes, experience hardships, and even fail along the way, but those experiences can become an important part of their development. Different people have different qualities and roles, and confidence can be a powerful force that helps us discover and develop our abilities.

The problem arises when we misunderstand humility and begin suppressing our confidence in an effort to appear humble. True humility does not require us to make ourselves smaller, become timid, or hesitate to step forward.

This teaching offers a different way of understanding humility: develop your confidence and use it to grow, while learning how to relate to others with genuine humility.

Real questions. Deeper understanding. Wisdom for life.