Tag: greatness

Character

The following is taken from the author’s foreword of Middle Distance Running by Percy Cerutty published in 1964.

I teach:
It is not important that we merely compete: that it is important that we endeavour to excel. That means, we do with all our ‘heart and soul’ that which we find at hand to do.
That we leave ‘no stone unturn’d’: no page unread: nothing frustrates us – since with the difficulty is the means of overcoming – and this once we have resolved upon a course of action.
There are much more priceless things than winning especially, if the victories be ‘unearned’ or ‘cheap’.
It is the ‘training’: the ‘way’, that is valuable. That winning is only evidence of something and may be valuable, or not.
That ‘value’ is only ‘earned’ when there has been self-discipline: exhaustive effort and the development of intelligence through experience and thought.
That without these factors preceding ‘winning’ – winning itself, rather than be an advantageous experience, can stultify the personality – not add to it.

I hold:
That suffering and dedication is the only way to understanding, compassion and courage.
That these three add up to a lovable personality, true withal, and the most priceless of all – character.

Percy Cerutty

Humility

Most of us are taught from a very young age to be humble. Religions tend to see humility as a virtue. In the Bible, humility is described as being without pride or arrogance and putting others before oneself. It is also the idea that God is all-powerful and that we are insignificant in comparison. I think the concept of humility is essential to happiness as it allows us to reflect on how lucky we are within our situations and genuinely appreciate those around us.

Humble: having or showing a modest or low estimate of one’s importance.

Oxford Languages

The opposite of humility is narcissism and hubris.

Narcissism: selfishness, involving a sense of entitlement, a lack of empathy, and a need for admiration, as characterising a personality type.

Oxford Languages

Hubris: excessive pride or self-confidence.

Oxford Languages

I was reading a book today and came across a definition of humility that emphasised recognition of greatness in others. This type of humility, where you recognise and publicly celebrate others’ excellence, is vital to Level 5 leadership from Jim Collins. 

Humility implies an aptitude to learn: a willingness to listen: a recognition of the greatness of others.

Percy Cerutty

We all want to develop mastery and become successful by whatever definition we give success. Success requires a deep level of belief in ourselves and what we can achieve. This personal belief does not sit well with the simplicity of the Oxford Languages definition of humility. It feels much easier and more appropriate to focus your efforts on others rather than develop humility by focusing on your ego. We need to understand how much we still need to learn, understand that everyone can teach us something, and appreciating other people and their skills as a route to humility. 

In a world becoming more narcissistic, be a person of humility.