just read: Humilitas

Back in September I posted about the author of Humilitas, John Dickson.

Since then I have read through some of my stack and packed this book in my carry-on to China. I finished it while on the trip. I enjoyed the authors approach to humility. Reading this book gave me a lesson in ancient history and latin vocabulary, while challenging me to build better character qualities - a VERY unique (and intriguing) combination!

I cannot possibly summarize the book in one blog post, so I will instead focus on one chapter.  John applied the virtue of humility to leadership in a number of aspects, but the one I will focus on is persuasion. Persuasion is a tool leaders use to influence circumstances or events. John argues that "the humble are frequently more persuasive and inspiring than the arrogant."

According to John, the fundamentals of leadership are: 1. ability, 2. example and 3. persuasion. Then he says:

"... persuasion is the leader's ability to articulate and argue a position in a way that motivates others in the team to move in the new direction. A leader with example but with no ability to persuade others will be well loved but unable to lift people beyond the circumstances they can see around them. Persuasion is key."

John goes on to explain that according to ancient philosophers, Aristotle in particular, the character of the speaker is the most effective tool. Beyond intellect. Beyond emotional appeal. Character, or ethos, influences. Why? Aristotle says, "We believe good-hearted people to a greater extent and more quickly than we do others on all subjects in general and completely in cases where there is not exact knowledge but room for doubt."

John concludes the chapter by saying, "When people trust us, they tend to believe what we say, and few are considered more trustworthy than those who choose to use their power for the good of others above themselves." A strong argument in favor of humility.

Want to be great? Choose to be a servant. That is the stance of a world-changer! Listening to others. Thinking of their needs above your own. "Humility is the noble choice to forgo your status, deploy your resources or use your influence for the good of others before yourself." Tough to do, but worth the effort.

just Sheri, seeing the value of ethos and trying to establish it in my heart

culture shock: politeness

In returning to America, there was something interesting that I noticed. Americans are quite courteous. We wait patiently in line for our turn. We hold doors open for perfect strangers. We say "please" and "thank you" during exchanges of even mundane tasks.

My friend Phim had a flat tire. Someone stopped to help and didn't leave until it was taken care of, because he said he hoped someone would do that for his wife and child if they had a flat.

I haven't seen these kind of courtesies in a while. Now, we ain't got nothing on the developing worlds hospitality! But, courtesy is fostered here and should be exported. I'd prefer that over the materialism that we are exporting currently.

just Sheri, thankful for common courtesy

Food Street

For dinner on our last night in Wuhan, we toured "food street." This was a first for the Whincop family and we had a great time checking out the stalls and tasting a bit of what they had to offer.

D.J. was impressive! Here she is eating squid from a food booth. There wasn't a thing she didn't sample. Not only is she nearly as tall as me (and likely to surpass me by our next visit), but she is braver than me when it comes to cuisine. Well done!

 D.J. does have a mentor when it comes to adventurous eating. Her dad! Like father, like daughter. Look at those smiles!

 This man was smoking while cooking. I tried to get a snap (photo). He caught me and this was his response. Uh-uh-uh!

There were many wonderful smells and tastes...and some not so wonderful (stinky tofu for instance). But, this delicacy called "chocolate fish" left a big impression. Warm dough with melted chocolate inside - in the shape of a fish. Tough to beat - especially for someone who likes bread and chocolate. Mmmm, good! I want another, please. Too bad they are so far away.

just Sheri,  samples make a great meal

Dancing in the park

Parks in China are a gathering place. There are those playing Mahjong. Those singing or playing instruments. Groups participating in Tai Chi. Kite flying. People watching. But, my favorite public park activity - DANCING! 

I love to dance, though I don't get to do it much these days. I found a group of ladies doing ballroom dancing. One seemed to be the teacher. I jumped right in for a lesson. Ahh, dancing! Apparently, a universal language as it did not require us to communicate with words in order to connect. 

 

When I travel, it is moments like these (unscripted and shared with the locals) that I cherish. Thanks for documenting the moment, Fiona.

just Sheri, danced in the park

Patience is a virtue

Asia is full of beautiful handicrafts. In China there are many elaborate wood and marble carvings on display. Any time I see work like this, I have one thought, "that took a LOT of patience." Patience is something we lack in America. We value immediate results, but that leads to a lot of cookie cutter products. Only patience, LOTS of patience, can create a thing of such beauty.

just Sheri, an impatient American