Why Humility Matters Now More Than Ever

TED* Team · January 16, 2026

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Humility is the quality of having a modest view of one’s value or importance. The origin of the word humility comes from humus, a Latin root meaning “of the earth.” All the great ancient religions include humility as essential for surrendering the personal ego and being of service to a greater cause than oneself.

When I think of people I have admired, humility is always part of their character.

When I was a young state legislator many years ago, there was one gentleman—from the other political party—whom I often consulted. Many times, we did not agree on policy issues, yet he was the first person I turned to for his opinion and guidance. He chaired a powerful committee, and yet he generously gave me his time and offered an honest, humble perspective.

His kind of humility spoke volumes. When I asked for his guidance, he would say something like this:“I don’t have all the answers. I’m willing to offer you a perspective and some insight based on my experience, but that certainly isn’t the whole truth. Let’s dialogue about the issue you care about.”We are living through a time when it seems everyone has an opinion—and asserts that they are right. People broadcast and post their version of truth using provocative headlines designed to stir outrage and division.

As the noise keeps rising, wisdom seems to be decreasing. And in this time of noise, certainty, polarization, and reactivity, humility becomes one of the most radical acts of authentic relationship we can offer, to ourselves and to a world in need.

In everyday life, humility looks and sounds like this for me:

• Saying, “I could be wrong.”
• Asking for help before I’m in crisis.
• Letting go of the need to be right.
• Being curious instead of defensive.

When I remember to be humble, it slows me down. It softens my rough edges. It usually brings me back into relationship—with myself, with others, and with reality as it actually is, rather than the story or position to which I am attached.

Humility matters now more than ever because:

• We cannot solve complex problems from a position of arrogance or a singular viewpoint.
• We cannot grow or learn if we cling only to our own perspective.
• We cannot build trust and collaboration if we stand alone and are unwilling to listen.

Humility humanizes us. It allows us to see one another as human beings. As Ram Dass often said, we’re all walking each other home.

Humility is a quiet but essential companion to the Creator—the central role of TED* (The Empowerment Dynamic). Without humility, we slip right back into the Dreaded Drama Triangle (DDT):

• In the Victim role, the focus is only on the self, and life feels like it is “happening to me.” Humility invites the question: What is mine to do, and how can I take responsibility for my choices?
• In the Persecutor role, the focus is on control, leaving little room for humility. Humility says, Slow down. I might not be seeing the whole picture.
• In the Rescuer role, the helper assumes they know what is best for another. Humility asks, How can I support you without taking over?

Humility is what allows the roles of TED* to fully emerge. Creator energy grows in the soil of humility because humility reconnects us to ownership and choice rather than unconscious reaction.

Humility strengthens the Challenger. A Challenger with humility becomes a truth-teller who awakens possibility—not someone who lectures or dominates. A Challenger without humility quickly becomes a Persecutor.

Humility deepens the Coach. A humble Coach does not claim to have the answers. They ask questions from curiosity and honor the wisdom of the other person.

Humility is a Creator superpower. When we bring humility into daily life, everything shifts. Our conversations soften while becoming more authentic. Our reactions slow. We judge less. Humility helps us see others—and ourselves—as the Creators we truly are.

Humility isn’t a virtue reserved for saints or wise elders. It’s an everyday quality, and it is deeply attractive. Think of the people in your life who embody humility—not the kind rooted in self-doubt or meekness, but a grounded, open-hearted way of moving through the world. I suspect they are the ones you most admire and wish to emulate.

And in this time of noise, certainty, polarization, and reactivity, humility becomes one of the most radical acts of leadership we can offer—personally and globally.

Until next time, here’s to the Creator in you,DonnaJoin the Creator Community Here!What's included:

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