Humility greater than Achievement

Hmmm..my first thought was how can I write this piece so well that you will be impressive. It hits me that the difference between humility and accomplishment is EGO..I say it again EGO…..E….G….O……

All my life, I have been in the quest for recognition from people around me - my parents, my friends, my teachers. I remember at the age of 15, I wrote an essay. The teacher thought it was so good that she read it out in the class. Recalling now, I must be in heaven for weeks. And it must been the starting point for me to desire recognition because I have ‘tasted’ it. All my accomplishments were more ‘satisfying’ if there are people around to appreciate them. Yes, it drives me to be where I am today. If you ask me if I felt good, I say YES ….

Before CV, I would most probably say I know about humility. But if I am honest with myself, do I really know the difference? For example, I would ‘ACT’ to make other believe (but most of all myself believe) that the intention is with humbleness. The fact is I want recognition for being humble.

Humility is a virtue until one becomes proud of it…(by unknown)

Recognition can often be bought. For example a title like Datuk. Pay a certain amount of money, one can easily get a Datukship. Or donate a million dollar and you get a plague embedded to the wall of the building somewhere. And if you request, the plague can even come with your photograph.

Accomplishment is about success. It usually comes without any thoughts for others. Perhaps stepping on others in the process. Often, it is at a price - one too high to pay..

But humility…..this is different ball game. For me, humility is not about signing a cheque for one million dollar. It is about giving our time and ourselves to serve to the best of our ability - to visit the poor, the homeless and the hungry, giving them love and care, taking the time to connect with them, …it is about ‘getting our hands and feet dirty’ without any thoughts of recognition or reward….

When we give or achieve something without any thoughts for credits, that is much more gratifying. And this feeling is something that MONEY cannot buy. Recognition can often be bought. But the heartwarming and poignant feeling is much more fulfilling both mentally and spiritually..

To me, humility is achieving something with a higher purpose, without expectation and most of all, NO recognition for our effort. In short, humility is greater than accomplishment....



"I cried because I had no shoes, until I met a man who had no feet."
- Nikos Kazantzakis –



In our greatness, remain humble..