Remaining Grounded…
In a world that often values confidence and self-promotion, humility is sometimes forgotten. Yet, Stoic philosophers, like Marcus Aurelius and Epictetus, considered humility essential for a balanced and meaningful life.
The Stoics remind us that humility is recognizing our place in the vastness of the universe. Marcus Aurelius wrote, “When you arise in the morning, think of what a privilege it is to be alive.” It’s about realizing we are just a small part of something larger, without devaluing our worth.
For me, life doesn’t often give me a choice in the matter. Whenever I get too sure of something or too confident, something will inevitably happen to remind me that I still have more to learn. Humility, in a way, finds you when you need it.
Keeping Ego in Check
For Stoics, ego is the enemy of growth. Epictetus said, “It is impossible for a man to learn what he thinks he already knows.” This is a call to be open to learning and not let pride close us off from self-improvement.
Take any competitive game as an example. You might have a great match or a streak of strong performances, but eventually, someone comes along and beats you. It’s easy to get frustrated or throw a tantrum in those moments, but it’s more productive to set your ego aside and learn from the experience. What did they do better? What did I overlook? Where did they exploit my weaknesses? These humbling moments often provide the greatest opportunities for growth and improvement.
The Benefits of Humility
Humility strengthens relationships, fosters personal growth, and keeps us grounded. Instead of seeking constant praise, Stoics encourage focusing on the quality of our actions, not on external validation.
This is especially true in relationships. Go ahead and interact with everyone as if you know everything and are better than everyone else. You’ll soon find you have few, if any, meaningful relationships. People will merely tolerate you at best. Instead, sometimes it’s best to simply stay quiet and listen to what others are saying. Even if you think you know better, there’s value in hearing out someone else’s unique perspective.
How to Practice Stoic Humility
Reflect on your place in the world: Regular reflection helps keep perspective.
Gratitude: Acknowledge the things you are thankful for.
Seek feedback: Don’t be afraid to ask others for constructive criticism.
Detach from praise: Focus on your actions, not the recognition.
Embrace mistakes: See them as learning opportunities.
Final Thoughts
Humility, according to the Stoics, is a path to inner peace. It’s not about thinking less of yourself, but about seeing yourself with clarity and being open to growth.
In both personal and professional life, staying humble is what fosters deeper connections and greater self-awareness. The more we let go of ego, the more we make room for learning, growth, and fulfillment.
