Dear Friends,
It seems to me, humility and gratitude are characteristics our leaders lack. They then model these characteristics for the people to follow. Is it any wonder then that our society is bereft of humility and gratitude? The stupidity of arrogance replaces those virtues. Humility only benefits the humble just as gratitude’s primary beneficiaries are the thankful. Gratitude and humility create smart people. The humble don’t stupidly impose their will on others, as the thankful aren’t entitled. Meanwhile, those who are arrogant and entitled (the opposite of humble and thankful) harm themselves and everyone around them. This is the very definition of what Bonhoeffer called stupidity. Pragmatically then, the way to a better life for us and everyone around us is to be and model humility and gratitude.
The arrogant and entitled are the acme of what Bonhoeffer called stupid. An arrogant person has no need of other opinions, accepting someone else’s opinion would be showing subservience. This is tantamount to saying someone else might be smarter than I. This is something the arrogant will not do. Another characteristic of arrogance and entitlement are that self-absorbed people don’t notice when others are harmed by their actions. They don’t care. The mirror holds their attention all too well. This is Bonhoeffer’s stupidity in action. When was the last time you met an arrogant person who admitted a mistake? The hubris and ego of the arrogant will not allow such behavior. These and other characteristics make the arrogant and entitled suboptimal leaders.
Humility is a form of wisdom. The humble acknowledge that they are not immortal omniscient islands upon themselves. That understanding in and of itself is condensed wisdom. Why? The understanding that we are parts of a greater whole, yet individuals, allows us the perspective to see ourselves and others in a more nuanced light. Humility drains away arrogance, and so too the mistakes of the arrogant. A humble person doesn’t seek leadership… and so they are the most qualified to be leaders. This is because a humble person will accept good advice, set aside their ego for the betterment of all, and delegate authority willingly. These are the actions of wise leaders. Moreover, history shows this to be true. Confucius’ sage emperors ascended by merit, Numa Pompilius of Rome, and Solon of Greece.
The quality of gratitude is rare today since our leaders have modeled ingratitude so effectively to us for so long. The most blessed people to ever draw a breath do nothing but complain. This is not only ungrateful but absurd. Such people are entitled. They believe the world owes them. Therefore, such people don’t contribute. Why should they? The world owes them… they don’t owe anything to anyone. The result is that nations, cultures, and societies that lack gratitude also lack prosperity, freedom, and food. So you could say that gratitude benefits society, but it benefits the thankful far more. Those who are thankful also don’t dwell on negativity. That is the bailiwick of the entitled. This means the entitled are in constant self-imposed agony while the grateful live in self-imposed happiness.
It’s hard to be grateful and humble in a world run by the arrogant and entitled. We follow our leaders. That’s human nature. It’s up to us then to model humility and gratitude for others. Moreover, ridiculing arrogance and entitlement is pretty easy. They are made to be mocked. What is the difference between an arrogant person and a marble statue? The statue has more humanity. Ridicule has a way of changing behavior. Usually for the better. This is because ridicule tests behaviors. Therefore, if we use it against arrogance and entitlement, those vices will become less socially acceptable. Social acceptance is crucial for political power so socially unacceptable behavior is undesirable. This would drive the elite to model humility and gratitude… leading society to be as well.
Sincerely,
John Pepin
