Is intellectual humility the new force of our time?

Modesty

- the ability to keep oneself within limits, to be moderate, restrained, calm.

Modesty is understood as a character trait and way of life of a person, expressed in the following:

• moderation in all demands;
• indifference to luxury and excesses;
• lack of lust for power, desire to excel, to show off;
• maintaining the limits of decency;
• Decency and sedateness in communicating with other people.

Amish women wearing modest clothing on the beach
Modesty can also be expressed as humility and obedience—non-resistance to the orders of any form of authority.

In clothing, a person’s modesty can be manifested in the choice of inexpensive, non-flamboyant and unpretentious models of a simple cut, as well as in modesty - that is, the desire to dress strictly, hiding nudity and body shape.

The basic concept of modest clothing, as well as modesty in general, is simplicity, the desire not to attract attention to oneself (see illustration).

Sometimes modesty is considered synonymous with shyness, but this is not entirely true. Shyness (i.e. shyness, timidity, indecisiveness) manifests itself unintentionally, and modesty is most often the result of education, analysis and volitional work on oneself, self-education. A shy person can be called modest (for example, out of politeness), but not vice versa.

A modest person is not one who has no virtues, but one who is restrained in revealing his virtues[1].

Qualities that are usually opposed to modesty: boasting, vanity, pride, promiscuity, rebellion, arrogance, impudence, impudence, etc.

In Christianity, modesty is considered a virtue based on the following texts from the New Testament:

However, modesty is also characteristic of non-religious people. Modesty, according to society, is a positive human quality worthy of imitation.

In the Russian language (as well as in many other languages ​​and cultures) the saying “ modesty adorns a person”

or its variations. Many famous people - politicians, philosophers, writers, etc. also spoke about modesty in a positive way (see examples in Wikipedia).

Etymology

Wiktionary has an entry for "modesty"
The Russian word is modesty

originates from Proto-Slavic
*krom
.
Also related is the Belarusian skromíts
- “to reassure”, the Czech and Slovak
skromný
- “modest”, the meaning in Polish
skromny
is the same.

It is assumed that the Russian word was borrowed from the Polish language, since this word is absent in the Old Russian, Serbo-Croatian and Slovenian languages. The etymologist Urbanczyk comes from the Czech skrovný

- “
modest, moderate;
insignificant, meager ”, originally “
few, small
”, as the source of these words (the latter is also associated with the word
to cover
,
to hide
).

Russian adjective modest

(derived from the word
modesty
) in a figurative sense also means
small
or
insignificant
,
inconspicuous
,
simple
,
inexpensive
.

There is no clear alternative in English for the Russian (and Slavic) word modesty

.
Analogues of modesty, depending on the situation and context, are the expressions modesty
- bashfulness (modesty, but only in relation to clothing),
shyness
- shyness or timidity,
frugality
- thriftiness or frugality,
simplicity
- simplicity (in relation to lifestyle) and
humility
- humility, and also sometimes
gentleness
- gentleness, decency, kindness (see gentleman).

Modesty

Modesty

- the ability to keep oneself within limits, to be moderate, restrained, calm.

Modesty is understood as a character trait and way of life of a person, expressed in the following:

• moderation in all demands;
• indifference to luxury and excesses;
• lack of lust for power, desire to excel, to show off;
• maintaining the limits of decency;
• Decency and sedateness in communicating with other people.

Amish women wearing modest clothing on the beach
Modesty can also be expressed as humility and obedience—non-resistance to the orders of any form of authority.

In clothing, a person’s modesty can be manifested in the choice of inexpensive, non-flamboyant and unpretentious models of a simple cut, as well as in modesty - that is, the desire to dress strictly, hiding nudity and body shape.

The basic concept of modest clothing, as well as modesty in general, is simplicity, the desire not to attract attention to oneself (see illustration).

Sometimes modesty is considered synonymous with shyness, but this is not entirely true. Shyness (that is, shyness, timidity, indecisiveness) manifests itself unintentionally, and modesty is most often the result of education, analysis and strong-willed work on oneself, self-education. A shy person can be called modest (for example, out of politeness), but not vice versa.

Qualities that are usually opposed to modesty: boasting, vanity, pride, promiscuity, rebellion, arrogance, impudence, impudence, etc.

In Christianity, modesty is considered a virtue based on the following texts from the New Testament:

But the wisdom that comes from above is first pure, then peaceful, modest

, obedient, full of mercy and good fruits, impartial and unfeigned

- Jacob. 3:17

...I say to each of you: do not think about yourself more than you should think; but think modestly

, according to the measure of faith that God gave to each

- Rome. 12:3

However, modesty is also characteristic of non-religious people. Modesty, according to society, is a positive human quality worthy of imitation.

In the Russian language (as well as in many other languages ​​and cultures) the saying “ modesty adorns a person”

or its variations. Many famous people - politicians, philosophers, writers, etc. also spoke about modesty in a positive way (see examples in Wikiquote).

Interesting Facts

• Some rich people - billionaires and millionaires - live and behave quite modestly, inappropriately for their income and level of position. Many of them prefer great popularity in society and luxury, simplicity, frugality and charity. Examples: Bill Gates, Warren Buffett, Charles Feeney, Mark Zuckerberg, David Cheriton, etc.[2][3]
• There are communities of humble people - Christians representing some evangelical and Protestant Christian denominations.
• The asteroid (370) Modestia, discovered in 1893, is named in honor of modesty.

↑ Disadvantages of Modesty

The modern world is designed in such a way that it is necessary to prove yourself as a bright personality. Unfortunately, this quality can become an obstacle to career growth. A modest person does not put himself above others and does not demand special treatment. This makes it difficult to stand out and become more noticeable to your superiors. Even if the merits are great, then against the background of the actions of more active colleagues, they become unnoticeable deeds.

Often, modest people consider the interests of other people more important than their own, and acquaintances, friends, and relatives take advantage of this. Very convenient for others. People like it when they are supported, helped and, without hesitation, waste other people’s time and energy. Problems also arise in personal relationships. It is difficult for relatives to understand a person who is ready to sacrifice his advantages. A person devoid of ambition is content with the small and necessary, and does not strive to improve the quality of life.

Sources

• Definitions of modesty Slovari.Yandex.ru (inaccessible link since 06/14/2016 [848 days])

Notes

1. Ozhegov S.I., Shvedova N.Yu. Explanatory dictionary of the Russian language: 80,000 words and phraseological expressions / Russian Academy of Sciences. Institute of Russian Language named after. V. V. Vinogradova. — 4th ed., supplemented. - M.: Azbukovnik, 1999. - 944 p. — ISBN 5-89285-003-X.
2. 8 celebrities worthy of emulation. ADME
   .
3. TOP 10 richest and most modest people in the world. Batop.ru - World ratings
   .

Excerpt describing Modesty

Rostov did not dare to persuade Denisov, although he instinctively felt that the path proposed by Tushin and other officers was the most correct, and although he would consider himself happy if he could help Denisov: he knew the inflexibility of Denisov’s will and his true ardor. When the reading of Denisov’s poisonous papers, which lasted more than an hour, ended, Rostov said nothing, and in the saddest mood, in the company of Denisov’s hospital comrades again gathered around him, he spent the rest of the day talking about what he knew and listening to the stories of others . Denisov remained gloomily silent throughout the entire evening. Late in the evening Rostov was getting ready to leave and asked Denisov if there would be any instructions? “Yes, wait,” Denisov said, looked back at the officers and, taking out his papers from under the pillow, went to the window where he had an inkwell and sat down to write. “Apparently you can’t kill a butt with a whip,” he said, moving away from the window and handing Rostov a large envelope. “It was a request addressed to the sovereign, drawn up by an auditor, in which Denisov, without mentioning anything about the faults of the provision department, asked only for pardon. “Tell me, apparently...” He didn’t finish and smiled a painfully false smile. Having returned to the regiment and conveyed to the commander what the situation was with Denisov’s case, Rostov went to Tilsit with a letter to the sovereign. On June 13, the French and Russian emperors gathered in Tilsit. Boris Drubetskoy asked the important person with whom he was a member to be included in the retinue appointed to be in Tilsit. “Je voudrais voir le grand homme, [I would like to see a great man," he said, speaking about Napoleon, whom he, like everyone else, had always called Buonaparte.

Megalomania

Megalomania as a personality quality is a tendency expressed
in extreme overestimation of one’s importance, fame, popularity, wealth, power, genius, political influence, even omnipotence.
They bring a man to a psychiatric hospital, the doctor asks him: “Who are you?” - I am Napoleon! - Oh, no, we already have a whole room of Napoleons, you should go home. - Doctor, you don’t understand - I AM CAKE!

Patient at a psychiatrist's appointment: - Doctor, I suffer from delusions of grandeur! - What do you know about megalomania, pathetic little man!

If we discard clinical cases, delusions of grandeur turn into an effective recipe to prove to ourselves and everyone our undeniable greatness in something: in power, in strength, in wealth, in a special social position, in rare abilities, in famous ancestors. It is based on faith, but faith does not correspond to reality, therefore a person with manifest delusions of grandeur does not adequately perceive reality. Megalomania is not considered a specific mental disorder, according to the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders. But often it can be a sign of a mental disorder (a type of paranoia). May be characterized by delusional fantasies of wealth, power, genius, or omnipotence.

From the story of one psychologist: “One madam told me that she is generally capable, and everything comes easy to her.” To my question, in comparison with whom she is capable, with Copernicus or with her neighbor Ivan Ivanovich, she responded with irritation, and after several ridicule, with tears. (So ​​megalomania can be easily treated in rare cases.) Another said: “It’s a pity that I’m not ugly, and how hard it is when men constantly pester you.” (?!) One of my friends boasted: “I prefer Japanese technology.” By Japanese equipment, as it later turned out, he meant a VCR, a TV and a Honda made in 1985, i.e. no more than what the “lazy” person has. The next one claimed that he was already talking at six months old, that he was a unique child in the city of Bakhchisarai, that he was the best in school! One claimed that she herself was bright and spectacular, like Sophia Loren, and her height was like Marilyn Monroe (delusions of grandeur in an incurable form). The next one claimed that he had been working with China for five years. I asked: “Ambassador?”, knowing that he has a company of five people who are illegally transporting something from China... In general, they are making money. He completely ignored my question. And another friend of mine, having mastered a computer in order to earn $300 for hire, exclaimed in a fit of delight: “Maybe you don’t have to be so smart, then life will be easier?!” When I reassured her that she was slandering herself greatly in this regard, she was offended.

Delusions of grandeur distort reality. This is done in different ways, the most common of which is exaggeration. Maxim Gorky wrote: “A person who considers his toothache to be the misfortune of the whole world is clearly inclined to exaggerate events.”

Megalomania is the daughter of pride. Three monks praying. One says: “Lord, who am I before You?” A weightless speck of dust, which cannot be seen with the eye, which is driven by the wind through this world, I am just a speck of dust. The second monk said: “God, how small I am before Your Majesty!” The smallest, insignificant atom that is lost in the abyss of space. I am an atom. The third prays: “God, how tiny I am before You!” I'm a little worm. The first two monks looked at each other and said to each other: “Look at his delusions of grandeur.” This proud man with delusions of grandeur considers himself a whole worm.

Megalomania is a disease of the mind. The female mind, for example, is overwhelmingly convinced that its thoughts and feelings have absolutely no value at all. Just as the dog from the cartoon Prostokvashino believed that a gun costs money, and his life is free, so women believe that sharing their thoughts with someone, and especially keeping a diary, also makes no sense and slightly smacks of delusions of grandeur. The woman thinks: “If I write down my thoughts and feelings, those around me, when they learn about it, will say that I am schizophrenic.” It's not really about greatness, it's about a woman's ability to realize that her thoughts and feelings are important. If they are not in demand now, it is not a fact that after a while someone will not be interested in them.

The psychiatrist asks the patient: “Tell me, are there any cases of megalomania in your family?” — Sometimes the husband declares that he is the head of the family.

- Doctor, I am very, very grateful to you for the fact that you were able to cure me of delusions of grandeur. - From now on, I am the most unsurpassed, fantastic, phenomenally humble person.

- I don’t have delusions of grandeur. Great people don't suffer from this. Ah, no. They still suffer so much.

There lived a king named Alexander the Great. He was a courageous warrior and thought that he must gather armies to conquer the world and acquire a great name in world history - "Conqueror of the whole world." So he began his campaign and was victorious. But after ten years of continuous battles, he conquered such a huge part of the world that his armies and himself were tired. Then he decided to return home, take a rest for four or five years, leaving unconquered lands, and continue the conquest in a second campaign. On the way home he fell ill and there was no way to help him. He came face to face with death. The king asked the wise men who stood around him in a dejected state: “What will happen to this huge kingdom that I acquired with such great effort, and what will happen to my treasures: jewelry, pearls, diamonds and gold, and all the slaves I captured?” ? Then the sages answered: “This is natural.” What happens to you happens to all people. Even kings more powerful than you could not take anything with them from this world. This is in accordance with the law, there is nothing to worry about. You should only worry if something unusual happens to you.

The king regretted that he did not know all this. The sages said: “This is also not new.” Everyone must leave this world, but no one knows that he must leave, and leave empty-handed. The king was very upset. Everything he had worked for for ten years, day and night, fighting and fighting, was in vain. If there is anything terrible in the world, it is war. So he did this terrible work for ten years and could not enjoy its fruits for a single moment. If he reached his kingdom, he could enjoy his treasures for a year or two. It would give him some satisfaction. But now he was dying on the way home. It would be better if he lived in this small kingdom, enjoying life without caring about his “greatness.” If he had done so, he would not have to suffer.

A holy man sat next to the upset king. He told him: “My dear king, if your life ended now, it would be very good.” But what's done is done. And a new big scary page of life opens for you. You should not worry about the past, but should start worrying about the upcoming tragedy. Then the king was even more amazed and asked: “What is this?” The saint replied: “Hundreds and thousands of people were killed in these wars, and all this happened on your orders.” Hundreds and thousands of women remained widows. Countless children became orphans or homeless, and you created tragedy after tragedy during these ten years. Now all responsibility lies with you, and you will pay for everything and everyone, as the law says: “An eye for an eye, a tooth for a tooth, a nail for a nail.” And how long you will have to suffer for everything you have done will be determined in accordance with the law. This is truly the worst thing that awaits you.

Petr Kovalev Other articles by the author: https://www.podskazki.info/karta-statej/

What is the idea of ​​modesty in dress? [↑]

It is not customary for Jews to wear immodest clothing. Note that this has nothing to do with a disdainful attitude towards other people or the “dullness” of life. Halacha—Jewish Law—provides healthy guidance for men and women on how to define these boundaries.

Today we hear almost every day reports that another famous person has been removed from office due to sexual harassment. More than ever, men need “special courses” to learn how to be careful.

On the other hand, a woman can also take certain steps to minimize various undesirable manifestations and reactions from others, primarily from strangers. Moreover, if the root of the problem itself is in men: completely eliminating or correcting it is much more difficult, therefore it is easier and more effective to adopt the norms of tzniut, we can call them “preventive” measures.

In order to understand more deeply and better what the idea of ​​modest clothing is, why religious people dress “differently”, differently than secular people, let’s break the question down into its components.

1. Why does a person dress at all?

2. What's wrong with shorts?

3. If it’s hot, then why put on too much?

4. Isn’t it possible to walk around the house as you please?

We will answer in order.

What's wrong with shorts? [↑]

Speaking above about clothing, we have not yet said anything about what kind of clothing helped return a person to his human appearance. Someone who walks down the street in shorts and T-shirts may also exclaim: “So I walk around dressed... shorts... what’s the problem?”

Indeed, at first glance, he is absolutely right. Especially if it’s a sunny summer.

But the problem is that in human society it is customary to dress more decently. The problem is which part of society you want to belong to. The higher a person is in the social hierarchy, the “more” he is dressed. The judges wear strict black attire, and the general won’t even unfasten one button. A professor wouldn't show up to a lecture in a T-shirt, and a businessman wouldn't dare show up on Wall Street without a jacket and tie. In other words, the more a person respects himself and is respected by others, the more clothing covers his body.