Why do you think bragging has become a virtue, and these days people take humility as a sign of weakness?

Question

I mean that today aggressively advertising yourself seems to be the norm, for business, for relationships, for scholarship - anything at all. Why? Wouldn't it be better for other people to praise you, your hard work or whatever?

Answer 1

I'm not sure intelligent people take humility as a sign of weakness...but I do agree that we have become a society of braggarts. I think it because people in general are far more insecure than they can handle. People either take that insecurity and overcome it, or demand that other people erase it with praise whether valid or not.
I think it is from the last several generations being raised to believe they "can do anything", yet in turn not having valid emotional support from their family life...it's not a practical ideal and therefore has created an entire society of people who simply don't accept their own failings. The problem with that is that you don't take responsibility either.

Answer 2

Because of the changes that have happened in the society. These days, the world has turned upside down where everything considered bad during our grandmothers' time is justified.

In this case, bragging has become a virtue. HArd work is not very visible these days and people tend to become hearers instead. That's why even people who didn't do much hardwork are given praises that they don't deserve because their mouths were able to reach the ears of their damn bosses..

Humility becomes a weakness in the sense that people who don't speak are weak. That is what people think of these days.

I remain silent in my workplace but I know I work hard. I don't recieve praises. Those who tend to become blabbers are the ones who don't do well yet they recieve praises..

For one thing, people give praises to those who don't deserve such are people who don't deserve praises as well. They know their weaknesses too..

In that case, you shall remain silent whether you work hard or not. Time will come that a person will come to you and will say that you are GOOD. Though it took time, that would sound more sincere.

Answer 3

You know as well as any here that bragging, or blatant self promotion isn't a "virtue" at all. It is a fact however, and I have a theory as to why.

Many of us do self promote, in todaus society because no matter how moral we are, no matter how hard we toil, no matter our ethic, or our standards, they all go largely unrecognized and/or regarded.

Praise is often a reward many of us accept, but in this shallow, greedy, generally non caring, profiteering society, we also relaize that a pat on the back isn't money in the bank. What often happenes,,,especially for those of low income, or a job that isn't Bliss, is that IF and WHEN they get that pat on the back, they can get the attitude,,,"IF I'm doing such a good job, why can't you pay me more?" OR "If you like my qualifications, my looks, my intelligence,,, why not show it in a more tangible way?"

That said however,,,doing a good job, or the right thing, should still be the way to proceed through life. Becoming cynical is as damaging overall, as greedy, or self absorbed.

Don't go over to the dark side just because decency seems to not be very effective.

Rev. Steven

Answer 4

There is a big difference between bragging and stating one's abilities and/or positively marketing yourself to achieve a goal. Competition has always been a natural consequence of nature. For example, male birds and animals in the wild compete for females by showing off plumage or butting heads to show who is the better example of virility to the female. This survival of the fittest competition ensures the survival of the species.

This same drive to excel or "come out on top" may at times reflect the vanities of humans, but not always. When choosing a mate I want qualities displayed that ensure my attention is deserved and my mate will benefit or enrich my life. (Of course, I am confident that I am worth it and that may be a little bit of vanity, but it is more healthy self esteem! LOL!)

When writing a resume' I want to make sure that my knowledge and skills place me at the top of the competitive heap for consideration as a student for a scholarship so that I can get the best education my money perhaps cannot afford, so that later I can get the best job that my education and experience will afford! Why? Well, without a job I cannot provide the necessities I need to ensure I live a quality life; or at least one commiserate with my abilities.
A person who brags seeks the approval of others for vain reasons or sometimes, for LACK of innner vanity or self esteem. That is a whole different story.

Answer 5

If all people can see you for what you are, and understand your strengths and weaknesses, and treat you acording to them, then what you wish would be possible.

But in the real world, even if people can understand you, nobody will take the effort to do so. If you want someone to consider you, you will have to aggressively sell yourself.

Further, in society, it is not facts/reality that matter, but the perceptions you generate. And if you want to succeed, you need to make the effort to generate the right perceptions in people.

Once you have proved yourself to the world, then you can afford to exhibit humility. In such a case, people will praise you for your humility. Otherwise you will simply be considered inept.

Answer 6

While the situation you depict is not universal, there is an increase in this. But, what else could you expect from a sales oriented society. Advertisement as an outright con is at the basis of it. Be better than you can ever be with media exposure!

Answer 7

Humility is the strength that comes from knowing your true weakness.

Answer 8

nah..i disagree dat virtue is da ryt term for it..in fact i find it rily bad...it's jaz dat der r a lot of factors y pipol do it very rampantly nowadays..

Answer 9

blame it on the neocon networkings

Answer 10

It's the Christian way. Gabriel said, "Blow your own horn."