315. Hubris is the opposite of humility 

I read a story somewhere long back, and that touched me.

Once, the renowned pianist Paderewski, who later became Poland's Prime Minister, visited Beethoven's birthplace in Bonn. 

The house had become a museum displaying many of the composer’s relics, including his piano.

Years later, a group of students was touring Beethoven's home when one asked if he could play Beethoven's piano. 

The guide allowed him to proceed. The student sat down, performed a passage from one of Beethoven's piano sonatas, and played it exceptionally well.

When the student found out that Paderewski had been to the house, he inquired if Paderewski also played Beethoven's piano.

“No,” said the guide. “He was invited, but he declined, claiming he was unworthy to play the great musician's piano.”

Great individuals often have humility that sets them apart from ordinary people. Humility is defined as freedom from pride or arrogance.

Humility is not about being meek or self-deprecating; rather, it involves willingly appreciating others’ talents and acknowledging the limits of one’s abilities or authority. 

Hubris is the opposite of humility. The term hubris originates in ancient Greek and means pride.

It is also related to the Greek word hybris, which denotes reckless overconfidence and complacency, often combined with arrogance. 

But who bothers these days?