"كلما ارتفع الإنسان في النعمة، انخفض في تقديره لنفسه."

The core idea here is that the more someone grows in virtue and goodness, the more humble they become. It's kind of a paradox, right? You'd think that becoming a better person would make you feel more proud and self-assured. But, in reality, the opposite happens. The more enlightened or "graced" someone is, the more they recognize their own flaws and limitations.

Historically, this idea has roots in many religious and philosophical traditions. For instance, in Christianity, humility is often seen as a key virtue. Saints and holy figures are frequently depicted as being deeply humble, even though they're considered to be incredibly virtuous. The belief is that closeness to the divine brings a heightened awareness of one's own imperfections.

Think about Mother Teresa. She devoted her life to helping the poor and sick in Calcutta. By worldly standards, she was a living saint. But if you read her letters and writings, you see a different picture. She often spoke about feeling unworthy and struggling with her faith. Despite all the good she did, she stayed incredibly humble and was always aware of her human limitations. It wasn't about false modesty—it was a genuine recognition of her own smallness in the grand scheme of things.

So, how can you apply this wisdom in your own life? Start by embracing humility. When you achieve something great, remember that there's always more to learn and improve. It's not about downplaying your achievements but keeping a balanced perspective. This mindset can keep you grounded and open to growth.

Imagine this scenario: You've just been promoted at work. It's a big deal—more responsibility, more pay, more recognition. It's easy to let it go to your head. But instead, you think about how you got there. The mentors who guided you, the teammates who supported you, the opportunities that came your way. Instead of seeing yourself as the hero of your own story, you see the bigger picture. You recognize that your success is intertwined with the help and support of others. This perspective keeps you humble and grateful, and it also makes you a better leader. You're more empathetic, more willing to listen, and more generous with your own support.

Or think about a time when you received praise for something you did. Maybe you aced a presentation or helped a friend through a tough time. The praise feels good, no doubt. But instead of letting it inflate your ego, you take a moment to reflect. You think about the areas where you could still improve, the mistakes you made along the way, the people who helped you. This reflection doesn't diminish your achievement; it enriches it. You grow more in grace and understand your true place in the world a little better.

Ultimately, the wisdom in this quote is about balance. It's about recognizing that true greatness often comes with a deep sense of humility. So next time you find yourself in a high moment, take a moment to look inward too. Remember that we're all works in progress. And that's a beautiful thing.