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Existential Reality
Take a long view of humanity. See the centuries of quotidian drudgery between periods of roiling tumult, flashes of genius amidst endless toil, billions upon billions who barely live and silently die. Ask how we are not the same.
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Posted by Giulio Prisco on 02/09 at 03:44 PM
Though I basically agree with your analysis of past, current, and perhaps future history, I prefer cultivating grandiosity and shunning humility.
Humility is a dirty word in my vocabulary. Preaching humility has been one of the tools used by, as you say, small fractions to dominate the rest. Be humble, and be happy to be humble, while we make money and power. This is still the case today -- when I hear exhortations to humility, I see a gun pointed at us little people. Let's not fall in this trap, and let's embrace grandiosity.
Posted by Melissa Lirette on 02/09 at 05:53 PM
I must agree with Giulio and also add, Humility has been the downfall of our species. It opened the door to the acceptance of archetypes. Which have held us back from the free thought we are fully capable of. In other words controlling the masses with of shame. We must embrace grandiosity being fully aware of the responsibility attached to it. Something that we have been capable of doing for all of time but felt shame well knowing it was simply the fear of the unknown, yet blaming it on one another.
We must rise above these insecurities to break out of our destructive mindsets in order to imagine our truths.
Posted by Marianne Waldow on 02/09 at 08:29 PM
We are all very tiny cogs. But the big wheel can't turn without all those little pieces working together.
How about humbly working for a grand goal? I would like to help achieve a better world for everyone, not for any personal recognition.
Posted by Giulio Prisco on 02/10 at 06:02 AM
@Marianne: I agree, but why "humbly"? Why not boldly, daringly and confidently?
To achieve a goal, we must believe the goal is achievable, and that our own efforts can make a difference. Otherwise, it is impossible to keep motivation.
If you believe in yourself, and reject humility, you can achieve your goals. If you humbly refuse to believe in yourself, you certainly won't.
Posted by unknown guy on 02/10 at 11:16 AM
"Though I basically agree with your analysis of past, current, and perhaps future history, I prefer cultivating grandiosity and shunning humility.
Humility is a dirty word in my vocabulary. Preaching humility has been one of the tools used by, as you say, small fractions to dominate the rest. Be humble, and be happy to be humble, while we make money and power. This is still the case today -- when I hear exhortations to humility, I see a gun pointed at us little people. Let's not fall in this trap, and let's embrace grandiosity. "
@Giulio Prisco
i respectfully disagree. being humble does not mean not reaching for the stars or doing something great it means when you do accomplish it to not act like your some demi god the world should worship.
like winning the superbowl and thanking teammates for their hard work.
Basically you can still do anything if your humble as long as you don't let it go to your head and act like a narascist.
Posted by veronica on 02/10 at 10:08 PM
"when I hear exhortations to humility, I see a gun pointed at us little people. " -- Giulio
It's sad that you're turning against humility just because you've witnessed only calls for humility.
Posted by Fritz Fawley on 02/14 at 10:50 PM
I don't think I've ever read a Mike Treder article that I wasn't very impressed with. Always thoughtful, level-headed and insightful, in my opinion.
Posted by Sally Morem on 02/22 at 05:48 PM
It'll be tough cultivating humility as our technology advances yearly, monthly, hourly, giving us powers we can barely envision now.
Technological Singularity, here we come.
Posted by melissa on 02/22 at 06:48 PM
The only way we can progress in full humility is to lose the monetary system.
Let's just be honest with ourselves, it's just a charade.
Posted by veronica on 02/23 at 03:10 AM
Melissa, do you mean that the only way society can progress in full humility is to lose the monetary system, or the only way individuals can progress in full humility is to lose the monetary system?
I know some unbelievably humble people, and if the monetary system they're living under hinders their humility in any way, you wouldn't know it.
Posted by melissa on 02/23 at 11:54 AM
If peoples motivation to do things are for their own fulfillment, is it not called greed? Its not called humility, its a selfish act to some even when its done humbly.
If everyone were to get exactly what they want and never had to pay for it with money, just fulfilling one another. We would see a dramatic change for the better in people and society. When we pay for things that we gain enjoyment and comfort from. It puts a price on our lives. It makes us livestock. Take that price away and we start to become our full potential. Some say Godlike others say humble. It dosent matter the word when the act is the same.
Posted by Sally Morem on 02/23 at 02:48 PM
How about when we can grow everything we want in our nanotech replicators and not have to trade work or goods with anyone else? I suspect this really won't make us all that humble, not when we have the productive power of a medium-sized nation in our basement or garage.
Posted by veronica on 02/23 at 06:26 PM
"If everyone were to get exactly what they want..."
There's such a thing as human nature that I think you're neglecting to consider.
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