We all still have much to learn, not only from each other but also from other species.They teach us to avoid arrogance and pretentiousness, to see ourselves as part of a species that is far from perfect, and to remind ourselves of the very limited role we each have to play in the fate of humanity as a whole. While the Christian version of humility – associated, as it is, with guilt, shame, sin, and self-abnegation – may not be to everyone’s taste, there is still something important to be learned from the theologians. Humility is also a core value in Christianity, where it takes the form of self-renunciation and submission to God’s will.In this form, humility can greatly enhance social cohesion and our sense of belonging. The Confucian form of humility is profoundly pro-social in spirit, valuing the social good more highly than the satisfaction of our personal aspirations and ambitions. In his philosophy, our individual needs and desires are always secondary to what is deemed best for society at large. The ancient Chinese philosopher believed that knowing our place in a larger social world, as well as obeying social rituals and traditions, was the panacea to the evils of his time.
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