The Greek Philosopher Socrates (469-399 BC) uses the archaic expression “Γνώθι σαυτόν,” which means “know yourself.” It may sound simple and meaningless, but this phrase combines humility with self-acceptance and contains a great lesson.
By improving our relationships with our inner selves, we can build self-confidence and improve our relationships with those around us. Even though people often assume that they know themselves perfectly and that they are doing everything great, there is always room for improvement.
So, what’s the deal with all this philosophy within a student’s post?
Being in my second master’s semester, I have not only gained useful information for my academic journey but also realized that there are so many qualified people out there with much more experience and knowledge than me. Especially in the beginning, it was hard to compensate and I doubted myself so many times. I was constantly comparing myself to other students and drawing negative conclusions about myself.
I struggled a lot with methodology and with writing things in a proper academic way. Some people found it unorthodox and didn’t really help me. But on the other hand, some people told me that they had made the same mistakes at the beginning of their studies. They provided me with useful academic sources and lots of advice. If I had proceeded with intolerance and pretended to know everything, I undoubtedly would not have been able to continue with my assignments and would not have been accepted by my team.
However, I have tried to realize that there are different events in everyone’s life and what a colleague of mine knows now, I will probably know next year. Also, most of these people have shown and assured me that they are not experts in every field. They may know something well, but another student or tutor knows the same thing, but more profoundly. These people have shown me that they get ahead in life by accepting their weaknesses and being open to suggestions and corrections. If someone admits there is no room for improvement, stability will follow.
“Humility is not thinking less of yourself, it’s thinking of yourself less.”
― C.S. Lewis
Keys to improvement
- Listen to others
- Accept criticism
- Be grateful
Humble people are still confident and self-efficacious, but they let their actions be proof of their accomplishments and don’t promote themselves by underestimating others. For example, when doing group work for the university, students always try to pick the most hardworking fellow students, but they avoid picking those who act like they know everything and make them feel like they can do less. If someone doesn’t accept feedback, then teamwork can’t happen and individualism overtakes collaboration.
There are many ways to reach this point by being yourself, accepting your weakest parts, and embracing other people’s accomplishments. Your value is not diminished by the success of others.
For a very helpful guide to self-awareness, check out my article on change and the TEDx Talk video.
Sources: https://northtown.gr/gnothi-sayton-i-aytognosia-sto-simera-einai-mia-aparaititi-anagkaiotita/
“Humility is not thinking less of yourself, it’s thinking of yourself less.” I love this quote! Reading your posts is like reading a good, motivational book that gives you a pleasant feeling and things to think about after. Keep it going 🙂 Thank you for sharing the link for this amazing TED talk as well!
Thank you very much for your lovely words!
I am glad that you liked it!! 🙂