13. “HUMILITY. Imitate Jesus and Socrates.”
On the trait of humility, Poor Richard writes the following:
“My list of virtues contained at first but twelve; but a Quaker friend having kindly informed me that I was generally thought proud, that my pride showed itself frequently in conversation, that I was not content with being in the right when discussing any point, but was overbearing and rather insolent, of which he convinced me by mentioning several instances, I determined endeavoring to cure myself, if I could, of this vice or folly among the rest, and I added Humility to my list, giving an extensive meaning to the word.”
Mr. Franklin added this to his list to make it better. He says immiate them. He saw without a role model, with out a hero, without a great life as an example, his list of virtues was incomplete. He was striving for a whole life. His friend called out his arrogance and insolence. Poor Richard realized he needed a dose of humility.
He had accomplished more in his life than most of his peer group. That lends itself to confidence. When you start out in the tallow shop making candles, work up to franchising media businesses and then work as a global liaison, I would say there would be times of slight over confidence in your words and behaviors.
He started with the trash of the livestock industry and he added value. He didn't start with a silver spoon in his mouth. But as he mentioned in his autobiography, one of the best lessons he learned was to "stoop".
Humility and taking the higher path resulted in a road less crowded.
Franklin had reason to be prideful, proud, to speak with confidence and walk with swagger.
Poor Richard looked and studied two great examples and knew if he didn't "stoop" his head, it might get whacked off. He saw a character void. He added humility to the list in his efforts to become a better person. Maybe we should too.
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