Humility vs Arrogance

All the great people in this world—whether they are from any field, whether spiritual leaders, great academicians, or business tycoons—most of them share one quality. And what is that quality? Humility.

Buddha attained enlightenment, yet he never became egoistic about his spiritual success. He never belittled anyone. Do you know why? Because only one who has attained true knowledge can be humble. It can be said that only the wise can be humble, and only through humility can one attain enlightenment.

Now let’s talk about those who call themselves religious masters and create unnecessary rituals to deceive people. Have you noticed how arrogant they become while trying to establish their authority? Their faces often reflect anger, yet they claim to be full of knowledge.

I want to ask them: have you attained enlightenment? And I already know the answer—it is a clear no. Because even a glimpse of true enlightenment would have dissolved their pride and anger long ago.

Now let us look at humility and arrogance in the field of academic studies.

Dr. Ambedkar was one of the most educated people in the world. He held 32 degrees, including a DSc, three PhDs, and several master’s degrees. But did he ever show off his vast knowledge? Did he ever humiliate anyone? The answer is evident in his life.

Throughout his life, he used his education to fight for the rights of Dalits, laborers, and for equality for women.

Now look at today’s youth. As soon as they learn a little English, they begin to mock non-English speakers. If they earn a PhD, their arrogance shoots up like a rocket. They label others “illiterate” and “foolish,” and treat them as inferior.

I want ask: are you more educated than Ambedkar? Have you done more good than him? Then what is the basis of your arrogance? What value does your BA or PhD hold when compared to his 32 degrees?

Now let me conclude with the life of the great business tycoon and philanthropist, Andrew Carnegie.

Andrew Carnegie was once the richest man in the world, yet he did not waste his wealth on empty luxuries. Instead, he devoted it to the welfare of others. He built hospitals, research centres, and around 25,000 public libraries so that even the poor could have access to education.

This is what true wealth looks like—when money is used to uplift society.

Now look at those who waste their ancestral wealth on luxury. They take pride in riches they never earned, and yet they look down upon those who struggle and work hard.

Compare their wealth with Carnegie’s—the gap is like the distance between the base of a mountain and its peak. Yet, despite standing at the very top, Carnegie showed what true wealth looks like. In doing so, he holds up a mirror to such people—and exposes their emptiness.

I want to end with this: humility is what makes a person truly wise—and truly rich.