Forget what you know and reinvent ◢◤

As I sat at my desk to begin writing this newsletter, I had already decided on a specific topic.

However, a series of scattered thoughts suddenly coalesced into a well-structured core of intellectual connections—one I couldn’t resist sharing.

These insights felt too compelling to keep to myself, and I felt an undeniable urge to express them.

What emerged was a reflection on something I deeply believe in—a value that guides my approach to both leadership and life:

Τhe power of recognizing and uplifting others.

There is a certain kind of persons who doesn’t seek to dominate the spotlight, but instead shines it on those around them.

This type of leader doesn't just give direction—they give recognition, appreciation, and support.

They understand that true strength lies in lifting others up, helping them grow, and creating a space where everyone can thrive.

Discovering humility in power...

How likely is it to find such individuals in where you move in—whether it's the workplace, social circles, or your personal life?

My reality has shown me that it’s not easy to find those who will inspire you with their attitude toward others.

And here, to make a distinction, I’m referring specifically to those who hold some form of power or authority in their sphere.

Yes, don’t be surprised by what I’m about to say. People with some kind of power or authority are everywhere, and not just in professional spaces.

Just think about your family circle, your friendships, or even in a social activity.

It’s easy to spot behaviors from individuals who want to impose themselves or highlight their own significance.

These people may wield power in subtle ways, but their actions often speak louder than words.

The key difference lies in how they use this power—not to assert dominance, but to uplift those around them.

See power in reverse ◣◢

Power is often seen as control or dominance, but real power comes from lifting others up. Humility in power isn’t about holding back or diminishing yourself.

It’s about recognizing the value in others and helping them shine.

It’s about leading without overshadowing, inspiring without seeking the spotlight, and empowering without expecting recognition.

When you discover humility in power, you realize that leadership isn’t about making others follow you.

It’s about creating an environment where everyone can succeed together.

Leaders who are humble may not seek attention, but their influence is felt because they make others feel valued → supported → and capable of achieving great things.

In a world where power often means ego, discovering humility in power is a rare and powerful core quality.

True leaders use their influence to help others grow and thrive, not for personal gain, but for the success of everyone around them.

Here's are five paradoxes of life, that balanced the chaos of human behavior.

1. The Strongest Are the Most Humble – True strength often comes from the ability to remain humble. The more you recognize your limitations and learn from others, the more powerful and capable you become.
2. The Less You Seek Recognition, the More You Receive – When you stop chasing praise and recognition, it often comes to you naturally, as people recognize your contributions without the need for self-promotion.
3. Humility Leads to Influence – Paradoxically, the more you humble yourself and empower others, the more influence and respect you gain in return.
4. To Be Truly Free, You Must Let Go of Your Ego – Freedom and strength are found not by asserting dominance, but by letting go of the need to control and constantly validate your worth. Humility brings true inner peace and freedom.
5. The More You Give, the More You Gain – In life, the more you give to others selflessly, the more you find fulfillment and personal growth. Humility leads you to enrich both others and yourself.

Michel de Montaigne on Humility ▼▲

Montaigne, the Renaissance philosopher known for his groundbreaking Essays, offers profound insights into the nature of humility.

A thinker deeply attuned to the complexities of human behavior.

Montaigne viewed humility not as a self-effacing virtue but as an honest recognition of human limitations.

• Humility as Self-Awareness.

Montaigne's work is steeped in skepticism, especially about human certainty.

He famously questioned the idea that humans could fully grasp absolute truths or maintain control over their lives.

For Montaigne, humility arises naturally from self-awareness—the recognition that human knowledge and capabilities are inherently limited.

His skepticism is evident in his motto,

"Que sais-je?" ("What do I know?").

Which encapsulates intellectual humility.

Rather than arrogantly asserting certainty, Montaigne urged individuals to embrace their ignorance as the foundation of wisdom.

• Humility as a path to growth.

In his essays, Montaigne suggests that humility fosters personal growth.

By acknowledging weaknesses and flaws, people open themselves to learning and improvement.

He viewed life as a continuous journey of self-discovery, where humility enables individuals to reflect honestly on their experiences.

Montaigne's candor in sharing his own vulnerabilities—his fears, failures, and contradictions—exemplifies this principle.

He believed that by confronting their imperfections, individuals could better navigate life’s uncertainties.

• Humility in relationships.

Montaigne also championed humility as a virtue in social interactions.

He recognized that arrogance and self-righteousness often lead to discord, while humility encourages empathy and understanding.

In his essay On Friendship, he emphasizes the importance of mutual respect and the willingness to put others before oneself in meaningful relationships.

For Montaigne, humility is essential to genuine connection and mutual growth.

• A Balance of confidence and humility.

Despite his emphasis on humility, Montaigne did not advocate for self-abasement.

He believed in the importance of self-respect and confidence but saw these qualities as complementary to humility.

In his view, true humility is not about diminishing oneself but about maintaining a realistic perspective on one’s abilities and place in the world.

Legacy of Montaigne's Humility ◑

Montaigne’s reflections on humility remain relevant today.

His essays encourage readers to question their assumptions, embrace vulnerability, and seek wisdom through introspection and connection.

His philosophy serves as a reminder that humility is not weakness but strength—a tool for navigating the complexities of life with grace and authenticity.

Be like the bamboo. The higher you grow the deeper you bow.

Click on 'Essays' to see the complete work.

Do you want to know more about the paradoxes?

Read my post: 𝗜'𝗺 𝘀𝗵𝗮𝗿𝗶𝗻𝗴 𝘁𝗵𝗲 𝗹𝗲𝘀𝘀𝗼𝗻𝘀 𝗜 𝗹𝗲𝗮𝗿𝗻𝗲𝗱 𝗳𝗿𝗼𝗺 𝗺𝘆 𝗹𝗶𝗳𝗲... (It's not wisdom, it's the truth).

Your support is important and will fuel my energy and motivation to continue. The decision is yours, and I’m here to listen you!

𝚃𝚊𝚔𝚎 𝚊𝚌𝚝𝚒𝚘𝚗,

𝚂𝚝𝚊𝚛𝚝 𝚜𝚖𝚊𝚕𝚕,

𝙰𝚌𝚑𝚒𝚎𝚟𝚎 𝚋𝚒𝚐.