The forgotten virtue

We're often told that patience is a virtue. Well, it better be, because the term "overnight success" is an oxymoron to the majority of people in this world. As I was thinking recently about the value of humility, I wondered why so few things are held up as virtues these days. And I think I know why.

Patience is a requirement on planet earth; humility is all but obsolete.

I'm first to admit that I find myself defending the cockiness of certain celebrities -- "they almost have to be in that profession," I say. And that may be true. But in this pop culture-obsessed age, have we adopted too many of our idols' characteristics?

Most of the musical air waves are packed with tunes about how hot, rich, famous, etc. we are. Self-confidence is one thing. Arrogance is another. Can our children tell the subtle difference?

Humility by itself doesn't promise much in terms of success. I should say, only as the extreme opposite of arrogance does it offer graspable rewards -- who wouldn't rather be friends with a down-to-earth person than someone whose head can barely fit through the door? But with opposite ends of the spectrum aside, being humble is not the most attractive attribute dangled in front of us. It's a dog-eat-dog world afterall -- no time for giving others their credit or serving their interests before your own.

Humility IS a virtue. It's the sort of virtue that may be hard to illustrate, but you know it when you see it; and it always sort of bowls you over. Your average person can deflect flattery when necessary. But when the above-average person displays his or her humility, it's a sight to see. They don't have to look buttoned up or contradict the praise that's directed at them; they stand off-center of attention, thank you graciously for a compliment and can turn any conversation around to be all about you.

These actions will unfailingly make one a successful human being, even if we won't see your face plastered all over the media. Don't forget to tell your kids that.