APX-IV-0048
“No one would know if I just performed false modesty to be liked.”
The performance is right there: downplay the result, deflect the credit, do the little self-deprecating dance, and the room warms to you. No one would catch it. But you would. False humility is a quiet lie about what you actually did, and a man who lies about his strength to be liked has traded the truth for applause. Receive the credit honestly. That's the harder, cleaner road.
Your Practice
- Catch the urge to deflect, and pause before the self-deprecating reflex fires.
- Say the true thing: 'I worked hard for this', no softening tag attached.
- Share real credit where it's owed, but don't erase yourself to manufacture likeability.
- Notice who respects you more for the honesty. Those are your people.
The Architects
“I hope you believe in something. Something unconventional, something unexplored. But let it be informed and let it be reasoned. Then, dedicate yourself to making it happen.”
Jensen Huang, Commencement address, Caltech 130th Commencement, June 14, 2024