"如果你谦逊，无论是赞美还是耻辱都无法触及你，因为你知道你是什么。"

Being humble means that the opinions of others, whether they're complimenting you or criticizing you, won't shake your sense of self. You have a clear understanding of who you are and what you stand for. This steadiness keeps you grounded and unperturbed by external validation or condemnation.

Mother Teresa's quote emphasizes this idea. She often spoke about humility in her work with the poorest of the poor in Calcutta, where she witnessed both the highest praise and the harshest of criticisms. Yet, through all of it, she remained focused on her mission. She didn't let the applause make her proud, nor did the censure make her bitter. Why? Because she knew her purpose and believed in her heart.

Let's put this into a real-life scenario. Think about an athlete—let's say, a marathon runner. Imagine they’ve just won a major race. The media is in a frenzy, fans are cheering, and sponsors are lining up with offers. It's all very heady stuff. But a humble athlete doesn’t get carried away by this adulation. They know they’ve worked hard, but they also recognize the support from their coaches, family, and teammates. They stay grounded.

On the flip side, imagine that same athlete faces a year full of injuries and setbacks. They miss races, and critics say they're past their prime. It can be disheartening. However, a humble athlete takes this in stride, too. They understand that setbacks are part of the journey. They remain confident in their abilities without letting the negativity define them.

So, how can you apply this wisdom? Start by recognizing your strengths and weaknesses. Reflect on them regularly. When someone praises you, accept it graciously but don't let it inflate your ego. When someone criticizes you, take it in, see if there's something you can learn, and then let it go. Remember that your value doesn’t hinge on external opinions.

Here's a relatable story to wrap this all up. Picture a student named Mia. She’s just given a presentation in class. Her teacher praises her for her thorough research and engaging delivery. Mia feels good but doesn’t let it go to her head. She knows she put in the work and is happy with the result. Later, another student makes a snide comment about her being a teacher's pet. Instead of feeling hurt or defensive, Mia shrugs it off. She’s confident in who she is and that keeps her steady.

So, whenever you find yourself being praised or criticized, take a step back. Think about Mia or the athlete. Reflect on why you do what you do and who you are at your core. Let your inner sense of self be your guide. It’s a game-changer.

And remember, humility isn't about thinking less of yourself—it's about thinking of yourself less. It’s about focus and balance, about keeping your feet on the ground no matter what winds of opinion are blowing around you. So, hold on tight to who you are. That's the real strength.