The concept of “modesty” is diverse. We can look it up in a dictionary, we can search on Pinterest. We see examples of it, or the lack thereof, in our daily life and can draw our own conclusions about what it means to us as individuals, parents, students, teachers, mentors, and children. Our personal use and definition of “modesty” and behaving modestly are dependent upon many things as well.
How we were raised, our cultural identity and norms, and social settings, are just a few of the factors that help us to understand and internalize the meaning of “modesty.”
The most basic and uncomplicated definition of “modesty” is to dress, act, speak and behave in a manner that doesn’t draw excessive attention to ourselves thus allowing others to have equal opportunity to “shine.” The essence of the “concept” is to respect others and respect yourself. It takes an emotionally secure person to know they do not need to boast to the world how wonderful, attractive, smart, successful and accomplished he/she is. When a person has this level of self-respect, respect for others and self-confidence it is apparent in daily life.
“Being humble means recognizing that we are not on Earth to see how important we can become, but to see how much difference we can make in the lives of others.” –Gordon B. Hinckley“Be humble. Be hungry. And always be the hardest worker in the room.” –Dwayne “The Rock” Johnson
The above quotes are from two different individuals, one is a religious leader, and the other is a pop culture icon. Two very different individuals, however; they speak of the same concept. It is important to be a contributor, and to allow your success to speak for itself.
Modesty allows for success to speak for itself. It doesn’t mean a person can’t have pride, but the kind of pride they do have is quiet and self-assured. They are content to allow others their own time in the spotlight. They know their personal value and this helps create positivity, and harmony especially in interactions with others.
None of this means a modest person never has moments of arrogance, nor does it mean an arrogant person is always arrogant and incapable of modesty. To be a certain way one hundred percent of the time isn’t possible nor realistic. The way we conduct ourselves the majority of the time denotes our character, and modesty or arrogance are simply facets thereof. It is what we put out into the world and is inevitably what we reap that effects our daily lives. It is the lens with which we view the world and through which the world views us. A modest person understands one of the ultimate truths which is: “When we allow another’s light to shine it doesn’t diminish our own. It simply creates a brighter world for all.” Isn’t that the kind of world we all want to live in?
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