“I’m a Million Times as Humble as Thou Art”

For authors who lead with, elevate, or are proud of their humility…a few thoughts and questions

Photo by Karl Fredrickson on Unsplash..

The examples are a little dated, but I reprint this article first published February 5, 2021, about my not understanding why so many people elevate humility. It wasn’t written for authors, but I know so many authors struggle with wanting to “remain humble” and have deep-seated concerns about self-promotion. I hope this introduces some questions, curiosity, and nuance into authors’ consideration of self-promotion and their wrestling with humility.

Think you’re really righteous?
Think you’re pure in heart?
Well, I know I’m a million times as humble as thou art.

— from “Amish Paradise,” Weird Al’s parody of Coolio’s “Gangsta’s Paradise”

“Humility — no longer missing in action. 1–20–2021” a friend posted on Facebook after Joe Biden’s inaugural speech. Later that day, my son was watching a YouTube video, “Why The Far Side is a masterclass in storytelling,”[1] and narrator Matthijs Van Mierlo listed “humility” with “storytelling” and “humor” as one of the reasons the quirky and beloved comic has had such an enduring legacy.

Twice in one day. I couldn’t let it go unnoticed. My ears have been perking up at mentions of…