Companions and Playmates
Tips & Quips—QUIP
Confidence is a companion to good health, while arrogance is a playmate of the ego.
Year ago, I had the opportunity to witness true unabashed arrogance firsthand. It was quite a reminder of the difference between the two qualities (confidence and arrogance). I’m sorry to say it was almost a stereotypical situation, the kind you see on TV or in movies. I was in the hospital and watched a young doctor do nothing but bark orders at the nurses and assistants who were doing all the work. It was very sad to witness, mostly because I know many very hard-working physicians who give over their lives to helping others.
Yet, this unfortunate occasion provided me with an excellent opportunity to truly see the difference between confidence and arrogance in real time. The result was this simple reminder: There’s joy being in the presence of true confidence, a confidence that is earned through hard work, trust, and humility. Whereas arrogance breeds despair, disconnect, and exhaustion.
This is why confidence is part of good health; because knowledge expressed through grace and humility is a cornerstone of wellness. They inspire others to dream. They empower others to achieve. They allow others to grow… to be who they are. Confidence creates an infinite cycle of development, while arrogance simply drowns out everything around it. It’s suffocating to be around, and I hope the young doctor eventually learned a different way of interacting.
My wish is that we all aspire to quiet confidence, to lead by example. It doesn’t matter where we create confidence in our lives; the goal is to do so humbly and gracefully. Ultimately, this will inspire others, and we will begin to create a world in which mutual support and respect are more important than egos, self-gain, and a craving for recognition.
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