The Importance of Being Humble: Moral Growth
Have you ever wondered why it's so hard to admit when you're wrong? Do you struggle with acknowledging your mistakes and learning from them?
In his book How to Be Perfect, Michael Schur explores the importance of being humble and its role in moral growth. He delves into why humility is crucial for personal development and how it can lead to more ethical behavior.
Keep reading to discover how embracing humility can transform your approach to life's challenges and help you become a better person.
The Importance of Being Humble
Acknowledging Our Mistakes
When it comes to moral growth, understanding the importance of being humble is crucial. It's easy to fall into the trap of overconfidence, believing that you're always right or that your actions are beyond reproach. However, this attitude can seriously hinder your ethical development. By acknowledging your mistakes and embracing humility, you open yourself up to genuine self-improvement and personal growth.
Think about it: if you never admit to being wrong, how can you learn and improve? The philosopher Frankfurt talks about the concept of "bullshit," which isn't just about lying, but about being insincere. When you refuse to acknowledge your mistakes and instead try to impress others with fancy words or excuses, you're essentially bullshitting. This behavior prevents you from offering genuine apologies and recognizing your errors, both of which are essential for real moral progress.
The Power of a Genuine Apology
Expressing sincere remorse is a key component of ethical behavior. It's not always easy – in fact, it can be downright uncomfortable. But that discomfort is actually a sign of growth. When you accept that making mistakes is part of being human, you can start to see the act of apologizing as a positive step forward rather than something to avoid.
Take Pope John Paul II's apology for the Catholic Church's historical condemnation of Galileo as an example. This act demonstrated the importance of admitting to past wrongs, even for large institutions. When organizations or individuals apologize, they show openness and acknowledge their responsibility to make amends for the harm they've caused.
Striving for Continuous Improvement
It's important to understand that being ethical isn't about achieving a state of permanent perfection. Instead, it's an ongoing journey of trying, stumbling, and recommitting yourself to do better. This perspective aligns with existentialist philosophy, which recognizes the profound discomfort and responsibility that comes with our freedom to make choices.
Your goal shouldn't be to never make mistakes – that's impossible. Instead, focus on continually striving to improve and learn from your errors. This approach acknowledges that the path to moral behavior is filled with trial and error, occasional setbacks, and a constant commitment to getting better.
The Role of Privilege in Ethical Behavior
It's worth noting that your circumstances can significantly impact your ability to focus on ethical behavior. Those with greater privilege and financial resources often have more opportunities – and arguably, a greater responsibility – to act ethically.
Philosopher Peter Singer argues that wealthy individuals, especially billionaires, have a profound duty to help those living in poverty around the world. If you're in a position of privilege, you might want to consider how you can use your resources to make a positive impact on others.
Overcoming Challenges to Ethical Growth
On the flip side, it's important to recognize that not everyone has the same capacity for ethical reflection and improvement. Difficult circumstances, particularly poverty and harmful environments, can limit a person's ability to focus on moral behavior. When you're struggling to meet basic needs, it's much harder to devote time and energy to ethical considerations.
This doesn't mean that those facing challenges are exempt from moral responsibility. However, it does highlight the need for empathy and understanding when considering others' actions. If you're in a more advantageous position, you might find it easier to adhere to moral principles simply because you're not constantly worried about survival.
The Ongoing Journey of Moral Development
Remember, ethical growth is a gradual process. It requires a genuine willingness to apologize, maintain humility, and commit to ongoing self-improvement. By embracing this approach, you can cultivate a lifestyle centered on moral principles, where your own development and the well-being of others are mutually reinforcing goals.
Don't be discouraged by setbacks or mistakes. Instead, view them as opportunities for growth. Keep striving, keep learning, and keep pushing yourself to be better. After all, it's your ongoing dedication that truly matters, even in the face of numerous challenges.
By acknowledging your errors, offering sincere apologies, and continuously working to improve, you're not just fulfilling an ethical duty – you're also demonstrating a commitment to personal growth and consideration for others' well-being. And that, ultimately, is what being humble and striving for moral improvement is all about.