The end of school has me thinking about how education should strive to teach humility as well as self-confidence. I think these seemingly contrary qualities grow inside the individual, but it's hard for me to determine what role a school plays in their development. I was discussing the word "humiliate" with some classes the other day, and the connotation our culture places on it. No one wants to be humiliated... that would be so... humiliating! A montage of slapstick scenarios are conjured in our minds, like getting de-pants-ed, etc. I said that humiliation happens for me when I open the OED. I feel small and humbled by the size and history of the language, and that it's (for me) a good feeling. It's through seeking a form of humility, possibly humiliation, that I continue to open just about any book. Must one have an intrinsic appreciation for humility as well as the confidence that the page will offer something to grow "self" in order to become a serious reader?
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