In general, humility allows people to see and accept their own strengths and limitations without defensiveness or judgment. According to research, humble people share certain qualities. First, they’re less hypersensitive to information or situations that challenge their own ideas about who they are, e.g., I’m smart, I’m caring, I’m generous. They also have the ability to see one’s self and others more clearly, without exaggerating the good or the bad.

Humble people are open to new information in a way that allows them to continue learning about themselves and the world. And they focus more on others rather than themselves, showing greater appreciation and awareness of others in their day-to-day lives. Finally, they believe that other people are equally important and have the same intrinsic value.

A student who is struggling with a mathematical concept reaches out to her friend who aced the last exam to ask for help.
 
Rather than get defensive, a student acknowledges he spoke unkindly to another student and apologizes for his behavior.

Beyond general humility, researchers have identified particular forms of humility that each offer greater insights into the importance of humility, such as intellectual humility and cultural humility.

People who practice intellectual humility recognize the limits of their knowledge and express appreciation for others’ ability to provide insights.

In a classroom that values intellectual humility, students are safe to ask questions, not know the answer, make mistakes, take risks, and share their opinions and ideas.

Cultural humility is “a process of reflection and lifelong inquiry,” that involves examining one’s biases and demonstrating respect for and equally valuing other people’s backgrounds and experiences.

An elementary school student learns that his Christian friend values praying before a meal, so he waits patiently during their lunch time before trying to engage in conversation. He also shows an interest in learning about his friend’s religious beliefs.