Humility

Dear all,

There's something else I'd like to talk about today, brought on by the issue for results. In Singapore, most of the students here are terrified of being seen as proud, haughty, contemptuous, or flaunting their stellar results in any matter. Aside from the fact that stellar results are quite common, this is obviously caused by their cultural upbringing.

The average reaction when someone thinks they screwed up is 'me too...' and then they go on about which questions they've got wrong. This can be seen from results betting and certain insults. Some of my friends have bet with each other that 'you'll definitely get A1 in this and I won't', although the amount is usually pretty small, like 50 cents. Other friends have taken to teasing the students with better results whenever they half-mention their own results, or talk about others' results.

This inherently isn't bad, I feel. It ensures that hubris won't be a factor in their lives, at least. But, there should be a limit to everything, and I think the limit's been exceeded. If you keep demeaning yourself without stopping, just because everyone else is, you'll just hurt your self-esteem. And some people are, obviously faking it their concerns, when in their heart they're thinking 'I'll probably do well'. I used to do this too, except I realised that it wasn't right. Because you're lying to yourself, and to everyone else.

I, myself, of course, don't flaunt my results or anything, but I'll feel confident about some of my results even if everyone else isn't. I think that if you honestly screwed up this exam, then that's that. Even if you tell everyone about it, it won't change anything, although it may create a sense of camaraderie. If you honestly think you didn't really screw up big time, and you've probably done well, then go ahead and admit it! It's not a crime to predict a good score.

Most people don't do this because they're afraid. Afraid of 'eating humble pie', or basically regretting what you said. Personally, I feel that being afraid or something doesn't mean you should lie about your expectations. If I overestimated my results, then that's that. I didn't prepare well enough for this exam (or not at all) and thus I was at fault. But I won't regret what I said. Because those were my true feelings at the time.

If you're reading this, and this is exactly what you do, then I suggest you be a little more confident about your results! For one, it'll help your self-esteem, and it'll also help you be more true to yourself. And if you can really not regret what you've said, which is easier said than done, then you've achieved a higher level of self-awareness.

Humble Pie, anyone?

Yours Sincerely,

Jeremy