The key to development: humility

I can't tell you how many times I've read development literature (for international development, or even for doing well in business) that emphasizes, again and again, the importance of humility. Sometimes I get tired about reading about it. Then I go into the 'real world,' away from my books, and I remember why people keep talking about it: because it is not exactly the value of choice. Arrogant assumptions about how the 'expert knows best' continue to dominate attitudes in the world of international development - or in the 'developed' world.

When hearing about the latest trends in Big Bonuses to Big Bankers, I know this is not just an issue that plagues people from the IMF to academia. I've read a number of recent editorials expressing anger at the big bankers still think they are on top of the pyramid scheme and even now don't take responsibility for their actions nor act with any 'true' humility.

Why is it so hard for people to be humble? Is it because we mistakenly associate arrogance with confidence, or, even worse, with development? Are we afraid of our own ignorance? Personally, the most 'developed' people (and organizations) I know are those that make a practice of treating everyone graciously, generously, and never assuming they know everything.

Part of what is important about humility is not only does it give the other person (or organization, or country) the opportunity to teach you something, but because it is often the pre-requisite for dignity - a rare and precious human value.