Great post! I have wondered the same thing. It seems when I just walk around ready to smile and make nice comments to people, they respond sweetly. Young, old, women, men all need attention, and if we take time to interact, we can learn a lot, too.

Hope you are having great weather. It has been so humid and in the 90's here - looks like it will be in the 80's for a week and maybe some rain.

Take good care.

Hi Bob something that has kept the definition of humility pretty simple for me is this one from CS Lewis "Humility is not thinking less of yourself but thinking of yourself less." In other words, it's no longer all about me and what I want, but how can I be helpful to others?

Confidence is a different animal. In my understanding the opposite of humility is self-centredness.

When you have no confidence you doubt your ability. When you are humble you don't announce your abilities and don't think you are better than everyone.

The best is to be both -- be humbly confident.

Well I looked up humility. There is a good definition here. http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Humility

Confidence is....
The feeling or belief that one can rely on someone or something; firm trust: "we had every confidence in the staff".
The state of feeling certain about the truth of something.
Synonyms
trust - faith - reliance - belief - credit - credence

I believe we can be both humble and confident. They don't have to be at the exclusion of the other.
The thing about humility, as I understand it, is we can't really know it of ourselves. So best to just do the next right thing, and try to care for others. I've found happiness in helping others too so I'm often self motivated to help others. Funny.

I think lol confidence is a inner conviction where as humility is a personality trait without the need to add anything . Because in adding you are at times less than humble because of Your confidence...:))) Really!!!like sticky look at the definitions ,in Latin too, it makes a world of difference.
Billy

I looked up inner conviction: conviction , state of being convinced- but inner wise is a brain. body or spiritual interpretation. Here's a nice article Bob

http://lovebliss.eu/Satsangs/14_Observing_the_Observer.htm

This is a interesting discussion so far. I think confidence is a lot to do with how a person esteems him/herself and his/her own capabilities. Confidence in God is faith.

With humility it is very much a spiritual discipline to strive toward for me. Self centredness and pride nearly did me in, after all I believe that ego had to be deflated for me to recover and for me that has been essential through the 12 Step programme.

if that does not work highlight r click ;open in new tab or google observing the observer
http://lovebliss.eu/Satsangs/14_Observing_the_Observer.htm

Bob, I thought for those of us in AA that this article from Bill Wilson would be helpful, particularly in regard to Step 7:

http://www.justloveaudio.com/resources/12_Steps_Recovery/Step_5-7/Step_7_Humility_for_Today.pdf

I too struggle with this concept especially living in Japan. I thought being humble meant the lack of confidence and the lack of self esteem.

I think being humble for me means accepting that I am good enough and knowing that I don't have all the answers.

Hopefully my actions can convey that.

Thanks for letting me share.

Bob, thought about it but Jersey's reply said it so well. You can be both. Confident without being cocky, and at the same time say no you first my friend.

Humility is not having to toot your own horn about your confidence.

Great question and responses.

I struggled with this one out the gate too. I have found that I can be confident in my skills and abilities, let say at work, and yet still realize that I am also teachable and don't need to pull rank on others to gain their respect. I can be confident in my core truths and who I am, and yet realize that I am just a humble servant, just a piece of the puzzle. I am not cocky nor am I playing small.

This is one of those post that I'll be saving and re-reading time and times again. All of these replies are precious to me.

Thanks!