Quote of the Day: Getting Our Egos Out of the Way

 

“He has told you, O man, what is good,
And what the Lord requires of you:
Only to do justice, And to love goodness,
And to walk humbly with your God;
Then will your name achieve wisdom.”
Micah, 6:8

Recently this verse was the haftorah paired with the weekly reading of the Torah. I had heard the verse before, but as a fairly new student of Torah, I hadn’t read it in context. I understand that this verse is the only one from Micah included with the haftorahs. I also realized how deeply moved I was by both its beauty and simplicity.

For some background, the Jews described in the Torah were continually straying from Judaism and adopting the culture and religions from the populations within which they lived. (Some things just don’t change.) G-d was repeatedly berating them for straying, for worshipping idols, and for abandoning their belief in G-d. After berating them, He would then tell them, through the many prophets, the kinds of lives they needed to live, as the people chosen to set an example for the world. In the case of this verse, G-d was speaking through Micah to tell the Jewish people what was expected. No matter how difficult it might be.

Micah (I think) suggests that we are the ones who complicate these expectations, making them difficult to meet. G-d has been clear, direct and firm about His demands; we have complicated them by demanding that we should be able to live our lives as we wish, essentially assuming we are gods ourselves. We are selfish, demanding and inflated by our egos. These attributes cause us to be unwilling or unable to honor that which is expected of us.

To do so, we must put our egos aside at times and embrace humility.

Do you struggle, as I do, with letting go of your ego and so that at least some of the time you can allow yourself to experience humility?

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  1. Arahant Member
    Arahant
    @Arahant

    Susan Quinn: Do you struggle, as I do, with letting go of your ego and so that at least some of the time you can allow yourself to experience humility?

    Not usually. The nice thing about being an author of fiction is that one is usually concentrating on the characters. What would they do? Not, what would I do in their place? That does not matter, because I am not there. Writing has made me a watcher and a listener. The world is not about me.

    • #1
  2. Susan Quinn Contributor
    Susan Quinn
    @SusanQuinn

    Arahant (View Comment):

    Susan Quinn: Do you struggle, as I do, with letting go of your ego and so that at least some of the time you can allow yourself to experience humility?

    Not usually. The nice thing about being an author of fiction is that one is usually concentrating on the characters. What would they do? Not, what would I do in their place? That does not matter, because I am not there. Writing has made me a watcher and a listener. The world is not about me.

    That’s so interesting, @arahant. Our writing can serve so many purposes. I’d have to think about the ego and my writing, which is almost exclusively non-fiction. I do think there are times–and this sounds like ego talking!–that I’m not writing alone, that I’m more of a conduit. I can often tell when that is going on when I’m surprised by what comes out. But not always. And then, there is real life where my ego gets me in trouble all the time! Thank you.

    • #2
  3. Front Seat Cat Member
    Front Seat Cat
    @FrontSeatCat

    The Christian Church also preaches this same lesson – it’s probably the one hump that people trip over the most and leads to problems – many times being described as the log in one’s own eye.  You inspired me to read the book of Micah today.  Yes, I struggle with all of it and pray about it in my morning and evening prayers.  PS….I also pray that large doses of ‘humility’ be dispensed on Trump and our elected officials…..sigh……..

    • #3
  4. Arahant Member
    Arahant
    @Arahant

    Susan Quinn (View Comment):
    I do think there are times–and this sounds like ego talking!–that I’m not writing alone, that I’m more of a conduit.

    I don’t think any writer would consider that ego talking. We have all experienced it. The chapter I am currently working on is like that. I had the thought or vision of it bubble up, then I needed the right characters and to sit down and write it. (It’s seventeen pages so far.) The basic idea of the chapter came to me fully formed, and all that I have done is fill in details and write it down.

    • #4
  5. Susan Quinn Contributor
    Susan Quinn
    @SusanQuinn

    Front Seat Cat (View Comment):

    The Christian Church also preaches this same lesson – it’s probably the one hump that people trip over the most and leads to problems – many times being described as the log in one’s own eye. You inspired me to read the book of Micah today. Yes, I struggle with all of it and pray about it in my morning and evening prayers. PS….I also pray that large doses of ‘humility’ be dispensed on Trump and our elected officials…..sigh……..

    People I care about (like you, @frontseatcat) always struggle with humility. My biggest flaw is when I know the answer–pick the subject–and the other person clearly does not. I’m trying harder to assume that I may not be right and they may be. And they sometimes–only sometimes–are. ;-)

    • #5
  6. Susan Quinn Contributor
    Susan Quinn
    @SusanQuinn

    Arahant (View Comment):

    Susan Quinn (View Comment):
    I do think there are times–and this sounds like ego talking!–that I’m not writing alone, that I’m more of a conduit.

    I don’t think any writer would consider that ego talking. We have all experienced it. The chapter I am currently working on is like that. I had the thought or vision of it bubble up, then I needed the right characters and to sit down and write it. (It’s seventeen pages so far.) The basic idea of the chapter came to me fully formed, and all that I have done is fill in details and write it down.

    Yes!!

    • #6
  7. Front Seat Cat Member
    Front Seat Cat
    @FrontSeatCat

    Susan Quinn (View Comment):

    Front Seat Cat (View Comment):

    The Christian Church also preaches this same lesson – it’s probably the one hump that people trip over the most and leads to problems – many times being described as the log in one’s own eye. You inspired me to read the book of Micah today. Yes, I struggle with all of it and pray about it in my morning and evening prayers. PS….I also pray that large doses of ‘humility’ be dispensed on Trump and our elected officials…..sigh……..

    People I care about (like you, @frontseatcat) always struggle with humility. My biggest flaw is when I know the answer–pick the subject–and the other person clearly does not. I’m trying harder to assume that I may not be right and they may be. And they sometimes–only sometimes–are. ;-)

    We can clear that up right now….just assume I’m always right…

    • #7
  8. Susan Quinn Contributor
    Susan Quinn
    @SusanQuinn

    Front Seat Cat (View Comment):

    Susan Quinn (View Comment):

    Front Seat Cat (View Comment):

    The Christian Church also preaches this same lesson – it’s probably the one hump that people trip over the most and leads to problems – many times being described as the log in one’s own eye. You inspired me to read the book of Micah today. Yes, I struggle with all of it and pray about it in my morning and evening prayers. PS….I also pray that large doses of ‘humility’ be dispensed on Trump and our elected officials…..sigh……..

    People I care about (like you, @frontseatcat) always struggle with humility. My biggest flaw is when I know the answer–pick the subject–and the other person clearly does not. I’m trying harder to assume that I may not be right and they may be. And they sometimes–only sometimes–are. ;-)

    We can clear that up right now….just assume I’m always right…

    Ummm…. I think you need to read Micah again!  ;-)

    • #8
  9. The Reticulator Member
    The Reticulator
    @TheReticulator

    Front Seat Cat (View Comment):

    Susan Quinn (View Comment):

    Front Seat Cat (View Comment):

    The Christian Church also preaches this same lesson – it’s probably the one hump that people trip over the most and leads to problems – many times being described as the log in one’s own eye. You inspired me to read the book of Micah today. Yes, I struggle with all of it and pray about it in my morning and evening prayers. PS….I also pray that large doses of ‘humility’ be dispensed on Trump and our elected officials…..sigh……..

    People I care about (like you, @frontseatcat) always struggle with humility. My biggest flaw is when I know the answer–pick the subject–and the other person clearly does not. I’m trying harder to assume that I may not be right and they may be. And they sometimes–only sometimes–are. ;-)

    We can clear that up right now….just assume I’m always right…

    Who are you to tell me I don’t have a monopoly on the truth?  

    • #9
  10. Susan Quinn Contributor
    Susan Quinn
    @SusanQuinn

    The Reticulator (View Comment):
    Who are you to tell me I don’t have a monopoly on the truth?

    Oh boy! Fight! Fight! (Micah must be turning in his grave . . . )

    • #10
  11. Stad Coolidge
    Stad
    @Stad

    Susan Quinn: Do you struggle, as I do, with letting go of your ego and so that at least some of the time you can allow yourself to experience humility?

    I think you have to have some sort of ego in order to go out and accomplish things.  I know I have an ego, but I try to keep it on a tight leash.  I believe self-deprecating humor is one way to do it . . .

    • #11
  12. Susan Quinn Contributor
    Susan Quinn
    @SusanQuinn

    Stad (View Comment):

    Susan Quinn: Do you struggle, as I do, with letting go of your ego and so that at least some of the time you can allow yourself to experience humility?

    I think you have to have some sort of ego in order to go out and accomplish things. I know I have an ego, but I try to keep it on a tight leash. I believe self-deprecating humor is one way to do it . . .

    Great points, @stad. Yes, we have to have an ego to survive. It’s when the little bugger (or big bugger, as the case may be) gets out of control that we have a problem. Interesting point about self-deprecating humor. Thanks.

    • #12
  13. Stad Coolidge
    Stad
    @Stad

    Susan Quinn (View Comment):

    Stad (View Comment):

    Susan Quinn: Do you struggle, as I do, with letting go of your ego and so that at least some of the time you can allow yourself to experience humility?

    I think you have to have some sort of ego in order to go out and accomplish things. I know I have an ego, but I try to keep it on a tight leash. I believe self-deprecating humor is one way to do it . . .

    Great points, @stad. Yes, we have to have an ego to survive. It’s when the little bugger (or big bugger, as the case may be) gets out of control that we have a problem. Interesting point about self-deprecating humor. Thanks.

    You’re welcome!  I should have added an ego is what makes you try something when someone says you can’t do it.  So many people could accomplish more with even a little encouragement.

    • #13
  14. I. M. Fine Inactive
    I. M. Fine
    @IMFine

    The pursuit of humility is, quite honestly, the major challenge of my life. For a very long time my password (to everything) was “hubris,” to remind me of the struggle. I have no special insight to the difficult journey — only to be consistently aware of it. Thank you for these beautiful verses from Micah. Here is another of my favorite passages that offers a similar call:

    “‘Let not the wise boast of their wisdom, or the strong boast of their strength, or the rich boast of their riches, but let the one who boasts boast about this: that they have the understanding to know me, that I am the Lord, who exercises kindness, justice and righteousness on earth, for in these I delight,’ declares the Lord.”

    (Jeremiah 9:23-24)

     

     

    • #14
  15. Susan Quinn Contributor
    Susan Quinn
    @SusanQuinn

    I. M. Fine (View Comment):
    “‘Let not the wise boast of their wisdom, or the strong boast of their strength, or the rich boast of their riches, but let the one who boasts boast about this: that they have the understanding to know me, that I am the Lord, who exercises kindness, justice and righteousness on earth, for in these I delight,’ declares the Lord.”

    Those poor prophets had to tell us over and over again, @imfine! This Jeremiah quote is a perfect pairing with Micah. And yes, we can only do the best we can. Thank you.

    • #15
  16. Arahant Member
    Arahant
    @Arahant

    Susan Quinn (View Comment):
    Those poor prophets had to tell us over and over again…

    But it’s an upward spiral.

    • #16
  17. Susan Quinn Contributor
    Susan Quinn
    @SusanQuinn

    Arahant (View Comment):

    Susan Quinn (View Comment):
    Those poor prophets had to tell us over and over again…

    But it’s an upward spiral.

    To all, this link is part of @arahant‘s wisdom series. You must check it out if you haven’t.

    And this one is especially apt.

    • #17
  18. Arahant Member
    Arahant
    @Arahant

    Susan Quinn (View Comment):
    To all, this link is part of Arahant‘s wisdom series.

    New ones now posted daily.

    • #18
  19. Ralphie Inactive
    Ralphie
    @Ralphie

    Front Seat Cat (View Comment):
    The Christian Church also preaches this same lesson – it’s probably the one hump that people trip over the most and leads to problems

    Pride comes before the fall.  

    • #19
  20. Mark Camp Member
    Mark Camp
    @MarkCamp

    Susan Quinn: Then will your name achieve wisdom.”

    What does this mean?

    • #20
  21. Front Seat Cat Member
    Front Seat Cat
    @FrontSeatCat

    The Reticulator (View Comment):

    Front Seat Cat (View Comment):

    Susan Quinn (View Comment):

    Front Seat Cat (View Comment):

    The Christian Church also preaches this same lesson – it’s probably the one hump that people trip over the most and leads to problems – many times being described as the log in one’s own eye. You inspired me to read the book of Micah today. Yes, I struggle with all of it and pray about it in my morning and evening prayers. PS….I also pray that large doses of ‘humility’ be dispensed on Trump and our elected officials…..sigh……..

    People I care about (like you, @frontseatcat) always struggle with humility. My biggest flaw is when I know the answer–pick the subject–and the other person clearly does not. I’m trying harder to assume that I may not be right and they may be. And they sometimes–only sometimes–are. ;-)

    We can clear that up right now….just assume I’m always right…

    Who are you to tell me I don’t have a monopoly on the truth?

    Susan said read Micah – there will be a test later..

    • #21
  22. Jim McConnell Member
    Jim McConnell
    @JimMcConnell

    I’m too humble… that’s my only fault.

    • #22
  23. Michael Brehm Lincoln
    Michael Brehm
    @MichaelBrehm

    Stad (View Comment):

    I think you have to have some sort of ego in order to go out and accomplish things. I know I have an ego, but I try to keep it on a tight leash. I believe self-deprecating humor is one way to do it . . .

    I think that’s incredibly wise and practical if you can manage it. It’s good to be able to push back if the situation warrants it, but you’re not a slave to your ego.

    • #23
  24. Susan Quinn Contributor
    Susan Quinn
    @SusanQuinn

    Mark Camp (View Comment):

    Susan Quinn: Then will your name achieve wisdom.”

    What does this mean?

    I believe it means that you will be known for being a wise person. It’s one thing to be wise; it’s another when others can seek you out for your wise counsel. (If anyone has another take, please let me know!)

    • #24
  25. Mark Camp Member
    Mark Camp
    @MarkCamp

    Susan Quinn (View Comment):

    Mark Camp (View Comment):

    Susan Quinn: Then will your name achieve wisdom.”

    What does this mean?

    I believe it means that you will be known for being a wise person. It’s one thing to be wise; it’s another when others can seek you out for your wise counsel. (If anyone has another take, please let me know!)

    Thanks, Susan. That sounds right.  But I would like to know more.

    It’s an odd construction, for our times and way of thinking.  But that difference isn’t the problem for me: I do know something about the different philosophy of the ancient Hebrews concerning names–the importance they attached to names.  Writing the names of a person is asserting things about the nature of the person.

    But this sentence does not give a name to a person.  It says that his name will do something.  Was the form used elsewhere in Scripture?  Did it have some meaning or was it just a poetic form, an embellished way of saying exactly the same thing: you (your name) will be known for X?

    • #25
  26. Susan Quinn Contributor
    Susan Quinn
    @SusanQuinn

    Mark Camp (View Comment):

    Thanks, Susan. That sounds right. But I would like to know more.

    It’s an odd construction, for our times and way of thinking. But that difference isn’t the problem for me: I do know something about the different philosophy of the ancient Hebrews concerning names–the importance they attached to names. Writing the names of a person is asserting things about the nature of the person.

    But this sentence does not give a name to a person. It says that his name will do something. Was the form used elsewhere in Scripture? Did it have some meaning or was it just a poetic form, an embellished way of saying exactly the same thing: you (your name) will be known for X?

    I’m not a good person to answer you, @markcamp. I am too much the novice. I did look up the phrase, and as I suspected, the last line I listed is actually part of the next verse. (It sounded like something extra to me when I first read it.) In my other book of the Torah, it is translated as “The Lord’s voice crieth unto the city, and the man of wisdom shall see thy name: hear ye the rod, and who hath appointed it.” I also found this at the Jewish Virtual Library   : (It sounds like Micah say that the wise man will understand what G-d is calling for.) I’m up for correction. Maybe  @iwe will jump in.

    6:6 Wherewith shall I come before the LORD, and bow myself before the high God? shall I come before him with burnt offerings, with calves of a year old? 6:7 Will the LORD be pleased with thousands of rams, or with ten thousands of rivers of oil? shall I give my firstborn for my transgression, the fruit of my body for the sin of my soul? 6:8 He hath shewed thee, O man, what is good; and what doth the LORD require of thee, but to do justly, and to love mercy, and to walk humbly with thy God? 6:9 The LORD’s voice crieth unto the city, and the man of wisdom shall see thy name: hear ye the rod, and who hath appointed it.

    • #26
  27. iWe Coolidge
    iWe
    @iWe

    True (at least True Jewish) humility is loving and caring about others, not about thinking less of oneself. So my ego is not the problem, even though it fills all occupied space. The only problem is if I do not recognize that everyone else has the same G-d-given potential, and treat them accordingly.

    • #27
  28. Susan Quinn Contributor
    Susan Quinn
    @SusanQuinn

    iWe (View Comment):

    True (at least True Jewish) humility is loving and caring about others, not about thinking less of oneself. So my ego is not the problem, even though it fills all occupied space. The only problem is if I do not recognize that everyone else has the same G-d-given potential, and treat them accordingly.

    But if one’s ego is greatly inflated (not referring to you!) I think that leaves very little space for compassion for others; we become the center of the universe. It sounds like you believe that people can be egotistical and compassionate. That’s not my experience.

    But perhaps we are not talking about the same thing. A strong ego is very important; an inflated ego is detrimental.

    • #28
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