LOS ANGELES — It is precisely during economic and political tension that more frequent and fervent expressions of sincere humility might serve to smooth over some tough spots. After all, being truly humble can serve to downsize egos that otherwise tend to mushroom minor molehills into major mountain ranges. Pure egomania may be the cause of as many crisis escalations as root causes.
This insight from St. Augustine more than 1,500 years ago: "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."
The thought applies with a viselike grip today to those who feel entitled to living their life out as royalty when so many people the world over are scraping to maintain a simple roof over their serf-like heads.