I Ching

Humility is often rewarded in human affairs, just as valleys are filled by the erosion of great mountains.  It is the way of the world to fill the empty cup.  Regardless of your position, humility is a positive and deceptively powerful attribute.  If you are in a high position but are still humble, people will be drawn to you and the causes you espouse.  If your position is lowly, humility will endear you to those of higher status. True humility is a virtue to which all should aspire.

The most successful people are those who know how to bring each situation into balance by reducing that which is too great, and adding to that which is too little.  Such a person craves not power, but balanced and stable relationships.  Humility is the virtue which allows you to perceive the balancing force in each situation; humble people are not prey to the many illusions which grow out of self-importance.  If humility is not natural to your disposition, make a conscious effort to develop a strain of self-effacing humor.

1. Unnecessary complications arise in the minds of the arrogant when facing a major task.  Concern about how one will be perceived while carrying out the task becomes an extra obstacle to its completion.  The unassuming attitude which goes with humility, on the other hand, permits greater focus on the job at hand.   While the conceited fret over appearances or the opinions of others, the humble just concentrate on what needs to be done.
2. Profound humility is a gift.  When a person is so sincere that his or her motives cannot be called into question, great good fortune is the reward.
3. There are few sadder sights than that of someone who is dazzled by his or her own fame, beauty or brilliance.  Success for such people is usually short-lived, because in order to persevere to the end, some degree of simple humanity is needed to gain the continued support of others. Conversely, there are few more noble achievements in creation, than that of
   a person who, despite great success, retains his or her humility.
4. Beware of false modesty.  Even humility, the most benevolent virtue, can be carried too far.  People in humble positions can easily use false modesty as an excuse for weakness or vacillation.   True humility does not imply humble goals, or a slack attitude regarding performance standards.  Taking pride in your work, is very different from the pride born of self-importance.
5. The wise do not hesitate to take desperate measures, when circumstances dictate such a response.   But when the responsible person resorts to bold action, he or she takes great care to see that the response is equal to the need, and that objectivity and clarity of purpose are preserved.
   When strong action does win the day, the honorable warrior shrinks back into the crowd.
6. When mistakes are made, and disagreement blows in as suddenly as a north wind, there is a great tendency to assign blame in all directions.  The immodest immediately raise their shields, thereby obscuring the truth from their own eyes.   The weak take offense, and shrink away in self-pity and doubt.  But the sincere and humble see the situation as a challenge to be met head-on, first by examining themselves inwardly to identify their role in creating the current problems; and then by having the courage to act forcefully but fairly to rectify mistakes and clear the air.
   Humility is the true mark of nobility, and always bodes good fortune.