Module 16 Personal Reflection: "I'm a Ford, not a Lincoln"

I wonder if the frequent absence of civil discourse on the political landscape is due to the absence of humility in political leaders. In the halls of higher education, intellectual humility is often regarded as intellectual inadequacy, seen as a weakness, rather than a strength. And in daily interactions, our prideful arrogance creates distance, not closeness; enemies, not intimates.

Socrates said, “The only true wisdom is in knowing you know nothing.” Epictetus offered a similar observation, “It is impossible to begin to learn that which one thinks one already knows.” One of the compelling chapters in Karen Armstrong’s book on compassion is titled, “How little we know.” I am not sure that there is a more meaningful mantra then the simple self-reminder of how little we know. What a difference it might make if we remembered the reality of “how little we know” before we act as if we know more than we actually do, in our interactions with others.

I wonder if humility has been maligned because it has been misunderstood. It is unfortunate and inaccurate to equate humility with weakness. Humility comes from a secure sense of self and an inner stability that is far stronger than a boastful broken record playing the same worn-out tune of “I am right, you are wrong.”  When we live with the pressure to always be right, to possess the superior perspective, to appear to know more than we really do, we soon find ourselves in an isolated prison of our own making. There is freedom in humility. Freedom to admit imperfection. Freedom to learn new things. Freedom to be authentically human with strengths and weaknesses.

Unless you read ahead, you may have been wondering about the title of this reflection. It is a direct quote from a former president. I read recently that President Gerald Ford was known as a deeply humble man. When colleagues in Congress flattered him, he was often quick to say, “I’m a Ford, not a Lincoln.” That approach to others, those with whom you agree and those with whom you disagree, builds bridges that unite, not walls that divide. Humility invites people to draw closer, listen better, and be more open to new possibilities themselves.

A Chinese proverb reminds us to “be like the bamboo; the higher you grow, the deeper you bow.” I believe in the power of confident competence. But I wish we spent more time exploring the power of humility in succeeding at work, becoming a leader in your community, and in building relationships that are based on being grateful for the other, not being greater than the other.