I have this crazy idea. I know it’s terribly far fetched, but I’m just so crazy about it that I have to tell you. I think that if each and every one of us so-called rational humans would admit the inescapable fact that we’re not the fountain of absolute truth, the epitome of morality, and the be-all and the end-all of prudence and honor, we might be able to open our ears, eyes, hearts, and minds to the other fifty gazillion inhabitants of our little planet. If there was just the seed of a chance that another person or creature might have some useful information for us, or a really cool way of doing something, we would be able to set aside our loutish, clownish pride and learn something.
Because, really, we tend to look pretty idiotic when we insist on being “right”. What kind of a limited worldview could back up such a comical stance? The view from my eyes is pretty clear and nice, but it’s so far from all-encompassing that to even call my suppositions guesses would be a bit pompous. As the inimitable Yogi Berra once said after being asked what he knew about some trifling detail, “Know anything? Hell, I don’t even suspect anything!” That’s probably a clumsy paraphrasing of what he said, but I love the saying.
Yes, I’m talking about humility. I don’t know why that’s such a tough place to stand, but humans have real trouble with it. And it would seem to be one of the few things that could bring about our downfall as a species.
Did you ever notice how little you hear when you’re talking? We sure love the sound of our own voices, and I’ll be the first to admit that I fit the description, but the time spent listening is the time when you make real gains to your understanding.
We’ve all heard that there’s more than one way to skin a cat. What makes us think that the way we’re doing it is anywhere close to being the best? What kind of an idiot would close their mind to the possibility that there’s a better way than the one he knows? When I look at it that way, I see how often I play the fool. Those hubris circuits just slam shut like big iron doors a few times every day. What the heck am I afraid of? That I might learn something?
Our success as a species has been due mostly to our ability to co-operate, not our propensity for competition. We do better when we put our heads together. We excel when we can put together a variety of viewpoints. And what have we got to lose by cooperation? Pride? Holy mackerel, isn’t that the stupidest emotion? Look around at what we humans have done to our environment; do we have cause for pride anyway?
Time to wise up and get small.
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February 13, 2007 at 6:35 pm
ninedodge
This all sounds well and good. And damned if I don’t wish to feel as cooperative and interactive as possible — I even take pride in my desire & efforts to do so (is this irony?).
I try to listen to students & community members telling me that I’d be happier if I thought less and just tried to make a good life for myself — found a decent mate, settled down, and made some babies. In my gracious humility, I believe I’ve even considered the possibilities that they’re RIGHT. I’ve certainly tried to really listen and to imagine and share in their happinesses.
But at what point does humility end? When I walk away feeling like they’re not trying hard enough and/or like I’m not?
Or can I/We accept that maybe humility and LOVE have nothing to do with who’s right & wrong, but rather transcending beyond such ethical semantics to spiritual truths?
peace
Nine :>)
February 13, 2007 at 7:26 pm
amphibiac
If love is caring, it will lead us to learn how we fit in. I think that falls into the category of spiritual truth. Nine, I’m assuming that you meant “right” and “wrong” are ethical semantics, much like “good” and “evil”. Naturally, any words are subject to semantics. I’m sorry if I am misunderstanding your statements.
I certainly would not advocate thinking less. We are constantly surrounded by things to study. Each person’s truth is constantly mutable, since things are constantly changing. When the lessons end, I believe we’re done. Stasis.
Humility ends when one is convinced that their way is the one right way. I don’t think it is up to “us” or “them” to decide whether anyone else is trying hard enough.
I must say this: if one finds oneself in the midst of a battle, it might be wise to look around to see who’s fighting.