Pride and Humility

There is a great quote from author C.S. Lewis that captures what I believe to be a problem with today's press or media representatives. Lewis said this: "Pride is concerned with who is right. Humility is concerned with what is right." Listening to the many press surrogates on television these days as they speak out on behalf of their candidates, there is no doubt they are being driven by pride. In fact, I doubt seriously that humility factors into any of their thinking as they frame answers and drive home talking points. The result is people who speak to "win" versus ones who communicate to achieve consensus and inclusion.

Another result, this one that cuts much deeper, is further division among a society that is on the  receiving end of their words and, dare I use the word, "performances." We see and hear spokespersons so intent on making sure their candidate one-ups their opponent that they talk over those on the other side, name call, lie and strive to make sure no other perspectives on an issue are heard other than their own. Thanks to the way they approach their job, our country has become more the home of the divided and less the land of the free. These communicators, often smooth and articulate, are not doing any of us any favors.

Our country could use a great deal more humility than it is begging given. It is possible to put forth arguments without attempting to degrade those who disagree. It is possible to speak out with openness rather than shutting the door on those who see matters differently. Being successful at that represents true winning. Sadly, "winning" these days seems to be defined by how well squashes opposing views and opponents. Those on the receiving end of their efforts, more and more, seem to be operating under the same small-minded definition of winning. Give me communication that revolves around humility - focusing on what is right - any day.