Humility isn’t a shortcoming, 

it’s strength. 

Remaining quiet isn’t avoidance, 

it’s self-control. 

Self-cultivation is about the quiet things, the inner work we undertake. It’s being humble not only when we fail, but also when we finally accomplish a difficult task and others congratulate us on a job well done. It’s remaining quiet when we’re tempted to babble, but know our speaking would disturb others and, very honestly, isn’t really necessary.

Like the other qualities we cultivate, to those who are unaware, those more used to seeing strength exhibited in a show of power and self-control displayed in regards to language or the restriction of physical appetites, humility and quietude could appear as weaknesses.

To those who master them, they are anything but.

A source of stability and contentment, our ability to remain free from arrogance or pride and to know our wisest course of action may well be to remain silent, can bring incredible peace of mind.