Sunday, December 21, 2014

Dangerous are the Humble

Monroe County

John Dickson, in Humilitas: A Lost Key to Life, Love, and Leadership, writes that humble people are dangerous to persons in power. They are not trying to be dangerous. That would be a sign of a proud heart. They just are dangerous. Using Gandhi as an example, Dickson cites a quote from the London-based Hibbert Journal, which in 1918 accurately predicted Gandhi's rising influence.

"Persons in power should be very careful how they deal with a man who cares nothing for sensual pleasure, nothing for riches, nothing for comfort or praise, or promotion, but is simply determined to do what he believes to be right. He is a dangerous and uncomfortable enemy, because his body which you can always conquer gives you so little purchase upon his soul." (Kindle Locations 374-377)

Dickson writes: "massive influence can be exerted with minimal structural authority as long as maximal persuasion and life example exist." (Kindle Locations 381-382)