The practice of sincere humility, especially by the high-flying, is not particularly in fashion these days. But it is precisely during economic and political tension that more frequent and fervent expressions of it might serve to smooth over some tough spots.
After all, being truly humble can serve to downsize egos that otherwise will uproot minor molehills and mushroom them into mountain ranges; pure egomania may be the cause of as many crisis escalations as root causes.
'Humility is the foundation of all the other virtues; hence, in the soul in which this virtue does not exist there cannot be any other virtue except in mere appearance.' That insight came from St Augustine more than 1,500 years ago, but the thought applies with a vice-like grip today to those who act as if they are inherently more important than the rest of us - or who feel entitled to live their life out as royalty when so many people all over the world are scraping to maintain even a simple roof over their heads.
Prime example number one: Pervez Musharraf. As a Muslim, Pakistan's president isn't about to sink his teeth very deeply into his St Augustine. But he can look to the Koran for guidance on humility. Here is one thought: 'The true servants of the Gracious God are those who walk on the earth humbly, and when the ignorant address them, they avoid them gracefully by saying, 'Peace'!'
But this career military man seized the presidency in 1999 and doesn't want to give it back, no matter what anyone says, including the Pakistani people. Two main reasons lie behind this arrogance. One is that Mr Musharraf believes his wisdom as president is essential to Pakistan's future. The second reason is that US President George W. Bush believes that Mr Musharraf's presidency is essential to America's future.
This latter assessment ought to be enough to shake everyone's belief, even Mr Musharraf's. In fact, fewer and fewer Pakistanis agree with Mr Bush; they want their president to go. This puts them at odds with the US, which once again props up a strongman in a foreign country against the wishes of the people who live there. But it always knows what's best for others, right?
Example number two: Lee Myung-bak. As a Presbyterian, the new president of South Korea can dip into the New Testament for thoughts on humility. He needs to review such teachings: before taking office earlier this year, he was known in the private sector as 'the bulldozer' for his 'my-way-or-highway' style. Those who had to work with him affirm the extreme validity of the description.
