Many years ago, a rider came across some soldiers who were
trying to move a heavy log without success. The corporal was standing by as the
men struggled. The rider asked the corporal why he wasn't helping. The corporal
replied, "I am the corporal; i give orders." The rider dismounted,
went up and stood by the soldiers and as they were lifting the log, he helped
them. With his help, the log got moved. The rider quietly mounted his horse and
went to the corporal and said, "The next time your men need help, send for
the Commander-in-Chief." After he left, the corporal and his men found out
that the rider was George Washington.
The message is pretty clear. Success and humility go hand in
hand. When others blow your horn, the sound goes further. Just think about it?
Simplicity and humility are two hallmarks of greatness. Humility does not mean
self-demeaning behavior.
* In The Book of Virtues, edited by William J. Bennett, Simon & Schuster, New
York, 1993, p. 204.
