Haughty by Nature, Humbled by Scars

A group of scientists had gone on an expedition in search of a rare species of butterfly. Led by Leah, a forty-year veteran entomologist who nobody could correct, she had asked their local guides to step back as she steered the group into uncharted territories.

Wearing her regular garb of ‘I know it all, I have seen it all’, she pocketed the Magellan GPS for the group and ignored the map direction as she paced deeper into the forest.

In about twenty minutes into her self-directed adventure, it became clear that the group was lost. Characteristically haughty by nature, she refused to retract, giving an ‘all is well’ gesture to her team.

From nowhere and in a split second, a large Baboon cornered Leah. Swinging between two tree branches; simultaneously slapped and scratched her face with its claws. Before the group could say Jack Robinson; they were right in the middle of a troop of fiercely-looking Baboons. Except for the intervention of the local guides who, despite being asked to go back, still followed the group quietly, they would have all been badly attacked by the Baboons.

The group returned back to base and Leah although treated, carried two deep and indelible scars on her face for the rest of her life. For putting the group at risk, a new group leader was chosen and Leah demoted.

Like Leah, we could single-handedly destroy our opportunities and usefulness if we consistently live a life of pride.

Haughtiness drives worthlessness and pride closes the door to wisdom and learning.

No matter what we know or have seen in life, there are people who know or have seen more. These may be individuals who are less educated or privileged than we are; however, they may be the guide we need for our next level. They may be familiar with the terrain that we are struggling to navigate. Commonsense requires we humbly engage them in advancing the course of our assignment.

Life is a teacher; Leah learnt humility the hard way - the Baboon slap, the scars, her demotion all remained constant reminders that haughtiness is wastefulness.

Rather than be haughty by nature and have to deal with regrets, it’s wise to adopt a nothing by nature approach – simple, sensible and submissive approach.