"L'humilité ne consiste pas à penser moins de soi mais à penser moins à soi."

Humility is all about shifting the focus away from ourselves. It’s not about putting ourselves down or diminishing our worth. Instead, it’s about not making everything about us and considering others first. Imagine you’re in a room full of people, and instead of worrying about how you’re coming across, you’re genuinely interested in the people around you. That’s humility in action.

This concept was popularized by C.S. Lewis, a British writer and theologian, in his book "Mere Christianity." He lived during a time when the world needed a lot of introspection—post-World War II, people were trying to rebuild and find meaning. Lewis wasn’t just spouting feel-good advice; he was urging people to look beyond their own egos for the greater good.

Let’s dive into a real-life example. Think about a team project at work. There’s always that one person who wants to hog the spotlight, right? Now, imagine instead, someone who’s always ready to help, offers to take on the less glamorous tasks, and is genuinely interested in the success of the team rather than their own recognition. That’s humility. This person isn’t undervaluing their skills or thinking they’re less important—they’re just not making it all about them.

So, how can you put this wisdom into practice? Start small. Next time you’re in a conversation, really listen. Don’t just wait for your turn to talk. Show genuine interest. Ask questions. When you’re faced with a decision, think about the impact on others, not just yourself. It’s surprisingly freeing to realize the world doesn’t revolve around you. You’ll find people appreciate it, and you’ll build stronger relationships.

Picture this: you’re at a family gathering. Your cousin, who’s usually pretty quiet, starts talking about a project she’s passionate about. Instead of jumping in with your own achievements or changing the subject, you lean in. You ask her questions, show interest, and maybe even offer to help. Suddenly, she’s beaming because someone took the time to really see her. That’s humility. You didn’t make yourself smaller—you made someone else feel bigger.

In the end, humility isn’t about self-deprecation. It’s about being present and putting others first. It's about understanding that everyone has something valuable to contribute, and our role isn’t always to be the star of the show. So next time you’re tempted to steer the spotlight your way, take a step back. You might just find that thinking of yourself less brings more fulfillment than you ever imagined.