Finally...someone is addressing this!
9
"Committee chairman Tom Barrack says Trump “is humbled to place his hand on Bibles that hold special meaning both to his family and to our country."
Evidently Trump apologists feel the need to attribute this quality to a man who is constitutionally incapable of it, in the real or deceptive form.
http://fox59.com/2017/01/17/trump-to-be-sworn-in-using-lincolns-bible-an...
Evidently Trump apologists feel the need to attribute this quality to a man who is constitutionally incapable of it, in the real or deceptive form.
http://fox59.com/2017/01/17/trump-to-be-sworn-in-using-lincolns-bible-an...
4
Great article! Thoughtful, relevant and entertaining. I'm going to look for more of your essays.
But I think you're a bit hard on Bob Dylan. He sent a very thoughtful and appropriate speech, delivered by the US Ambassador, noting his admiration for predecessors, his surprise at winning, thoughts on his process, and not a trace of the falseness associated with being "humbled" or "blessed".
https://www.nobelprize.org/nobel_prizes/literature/laureates/2016/dylan-...
But I think you're a bit hard on Bob Dylan. He sent a very thoughtful and appropriate speech, delivered by the US Ambassador, noting his admiration for predecessors, his surprise at winning, thoughts on his process, and not a trace of the falseness associated with being "humbled" or "blessed".
https://www.nobelprize.org/nobel_prizes/literature/laureates/2016/dylan-...
1
I am always humbled to receive an awesome cup of coffee!:)
1
Confessing humility holds an exalted position in the litany of oxymoronic human utterances. It betrays a vague kinship with such rhetorical companions as "I cannot tell a lie," and the post-touchdown genuflection with index finger pointed heavenward. Oxymoronic, because it contradicts itself. Syllogistically speaking, it is a circular argument because its assumptions and its conclusions are one and the same. But I love these morsels of hidden human foibles because they are so funny. And sometimes I think that if there is a God, and if She has a sense of humor, then She will welcome us all into Paradise for the sake of laughter everlasting.
2
brilliant!
4
What about the word "blessed"? Why is everyone feeling so blessed these days? How does one know they are truly blessed without having a real live conversation with God?
Humbled...blessed...overuse of these expressions diminishes their true meaning.
Humbled...blessed...overuse of these expressions diminishes their true meaning.
5
Excellent piece for my morning coffee. As someone who works in the "arrogant" software industry, I observe that most describe themselves in aspirational terms over presently-demonstrated qualities. While this may actually represent attempts for self-improvement, it has more to do with personal branding than true awareness.
4
I get your point in this article and I agree with you, except for your claim to know the actual meaning of the word humble. You say it's to be brought low, diminished in standing, to be a failure and to suffer humiliation, etc. But it also means : not haughty, not proud, not arrogant or assertive. To be unpretentious. There is a spiritual aspect of the word humble as well, It is seen as a desirable quality in the same realm as patience being a virtue. It is the opposite, even though it's the same word, of being humiliated. It's interesting that it's easy to humiliate a humble person.
7
I have been saying this same thing. So many public brags, introduce with the phrase "I am humbled..." That doesn't fit the definition of humble I learned.
4
"Then she went on Twitter to reassure her boss that power hadn’t changed her, and that she was still the same old true-blue, fawning, deferential Kellyanne: “Grateful & humble, @realDonaldTrump,” she wrote." This kind of snarky writing does not enhance the "humility" of this article's author. It would behoove those writing about First Words to begin with themselves as starting points. Snarkiness is not humble and it seems to be what the Times seems to be promoting post-election. You may want to try "Snarky" next time.
Why not give a shout-out to Harris Wittel? He's the one who coined the term "humblebrag" and wrote about this already literally years ago.
4
"To humble is to bring down the pride of another or to reduce him or her to a state of abasement: to humble an arrogant enemy. To degrade is to demote in rank or standing, or to reduce to a low level in dignity: to degrade an officer; to degrade oneself by lying."
Since so many are presently degrading themselves by lying, it is time for the honest among us to thoroughly humble them.
During the age of Trump, please recall that "to humble" is a transitive verb.
Since so many are presently degrading themselves by lying, it is time for the honest among us to thoroughly humble them.
During the age of Trump, please recall that "to humble" is a transitive verb.
3
Sorry, you can twist words until Doomsday, but "to humble" is what only arrogant people do. They are usually spotted quickly by those around them.
Dear Dlud,
Please google "to humble verb meaning" and you will find that the passage in quotes in my posting was not made up, but is an on-line dictionary main listing, complete with examples. The arrogant can humble others, but the humble can organize to humble the arrogant. The latter seems now to be well underway in our nation. The arrogant engage, day after day, in shameless overreaching, thoughtless executive actions, tweets and legislative ploys. Humbling them, shaming them, resisting them is an appropriate response.
Please google "to humble verb meaning" and you will find that the passage in quotes in my posting was not made up, but is an on-line dictionary main listing, complete with examples. The arrogant can humble others, but the humble can organize to humble the arrogant. The latter seems now to be well underway in our nation. The arrogant engage, day after day, in shameless overreaching, thoughtless executive actions, tweets and legislative ploys. Humbling them, shaming them, resisting them is an appropriate response.
5
I feel humbled that I had the opportunity to read this
..............really.
I would like to have the opportunity to teach Ms. Conway some genuine humility, if you get my drift.
..............really.
..............really.
I would like to have the opportunity to teach Ms. Conway some genuine humility, if you get my drift.
..............really.
3
I thought I missed the memo on the word's new usage. I do wonder if it was originally confused with "honored" and it went on from there. The only other new-fashioned word that gets in my craw is "curated." That one is for museums, not stores.
9
Yes, I detest the so very precious new use of "curated." Every week I go to the supermarket and select the best looking produce I can reach. So I'm entitled to say that my lettuce and green onions and all are curated. Bah.
4
Consider who's saying that they are humbled.
Simple, no?
Simple, no?
1
So you can speak for Ms. Conway? Do you know her personally? Let's find the word for unequivocally judging people without prior knowledge. There must be one.
I'm so glad you brought in the connection with blessed, which is one I really dislike. This actually was a last straw for me in a very long friendship, with someone who constantly used that term. If they were so blessed what did that make the rest of us? It was used as a weapon and a fake humbleness.
Another term that is mixed in here is the use of proud. People use proud when they really mean pleased. We are now proud of everything no matter how small. Even though we are often told we must be proud, proud is supposed to be directed towards others achievements. If you take pride in your own, then you are not humble enough.
Another term that is mixed in here is the use of proud. People use proud when they really mean pleased. We are now proud of everything no matter how small. Even though we are often told we must be proud, proud is supposed to be directed towards others achievements. If you take pride in your own, then you are not humble enough.
10
Thank You for the picture at the beginning of the article: "Illustration by Javier Jaén. Mirror: IlyaShapovalov, via iStock/Getty Images.". I appreciate it.!!
1
Thank you for this piece! As a non english mother tongue, I never get the meaning of 'humbled by' and regularly have to look up the definition in the dictionary, to see if actually matches the context, and still doesn't make sense.
Now I know: it's to show off a fake sense of humility, in a bad english.
Now I know: it's to show off a fake sense of humility, in a bad english.
14
I finally understood why famous people and politicians lately use this adjective so much to talk about themselves. Humility: from Latin humilitatem (nominative humilitas) "lowness, small stature; insignificance; baseness, littleness of mind". In Spanish humbled will directly translate to "humillado= humilliated" and that is not talking too nice about yourself, so my (tongue in cheek), confusion. Spanish speakers tend to use the word "honrado= honored", which is more of a description of how we feel normally when some honor is bestowed upon us, such as being nominated for a government position. Why being "honored" is not acceptable lately? Is it because if you say you are humbled, people will go to extremes to assure you of your great value, and then you will feel even more proud of yourself than you already were to begin with? We should feel proud with achievements and humbled with failures. Another good word that has come out of use is "hypocrisy" from Greek: from hypokrinesthai "play a part, pretend,"
7
You are leaving out the other meaning of humble there are 2 meanings. Please try to be thorough.
Thanks, I've been irritated by this for a long time, usually by sports figures. I still don't understand the applicability of it: how does individual "humble" one? Quite the opposite, or do people spend their entire lives in a quest for humility?
If so, would they not pursue some end that would keep them in obscurity? Or, failing that, would they not pass up an opportunity to trumpet their modesty from the highest peak?
If so, would they not pursue some end that would keep them in obscurity? Or, failing that, would they not pass up an opportunity to trumpet their modesty from the highest peak?
6
What gorgeous writing, and on such a relevant topic - more, please!
12
Wonderful edsay Carina! I just finished a book of George Orwell essays and you remind me of him
3
His essays are excellent and Orwell also brings up the ugliness of involuntary poverty and 'mean gratitude'. He might have a field day with this 'humbled'. while I remain royally annoyed by the latest caprices of the king in his tower.
1
"I'm humbled" is right up there with "I'm sorry if my words offended you".
17
Thank you. It's good to know that I'm not alone.
3
This is a relatively recent development in the linguistic and dis-functional form of self-advertisement: the self-promotional, self-aggrandizing, self-laudatory, self-backslapping self-approval, look-how-wonderful-I-am sort of golly!-I'm-so great...personal-selfie of a overly self-conscious generation. But this isn't just the humble brag. It's in everything from photos of food-I-ate-today to exotic-places-I-am-and-you're-not...a sort of collective hooray-for-me, too-bad-for-you ethos that has pervaded every place and social media spotlight in the world. The famous are the worst, from Madonna to the Kardashian's to the absolutely forgettable--or those we wish would just go away.
7
This made me laugh so hard. Winning the contest for "Epic humblebragging about your own accomplishments", a friend of mine began his recent Facebook post, "I'm filled with humility as it was just announced that I'll receive the Man of the Year award..."
Will it end our friendship if I send him this article?
Will it end our friendship if I send him this article?
12
Thank you. We needed that.
5
Humbled or honored was what I heard Barack Obama's ambassador to Argentina say quite a lot down here, only to ceaselessly party, making festivals -> to himself. I'm wary of either term now. Noah Mamet was such a jerk. PS. I'm "muy" pro-Obama, but this bundler was egregious. A bad mistake.
1
Bob Dylan should get the Nobel for humility...oh...right...he's already done that.
Why is anyone surprised that words in our TV/media-oriented culture simply take on incorrect meanings and are misused by the ignorant masses who can't or don't read? I can't wait to see Humble Pie on a menu.
6
It's pretty simple. Someone confused the word "humbled" for the word "honored." Then lots of people copied that mistake. They mean "honored" not "humbled."
8
Thank you for this wonderful article. Precision in language is becoming less and less frequent and more articles like this are needed. The NYT should find someone to replace Safire--to write a weekly column on language usage. (I will never forget his humerous rejection of the culinary term "battered shrimp.")
While commonly understood meanings of words can change over time with widespresd usage, the use of words to convey a meaning that is the opposite of their generally understood meaning is either hypocritical or just plain ignorant.
While commonly understood meanings of words can change over time with widespresd usage, the use of words to convey a meaning that is the opposite of their generally understood meaning is either hypocritical or just plain ignorant.
12
Bravo! Magnificently and accurately said. The false humility is so grating, and so wrong. Thank you.
12
The only thing worse than "false humility" is fake honesty.
2
Have you forgotten Uriah Heep? Dickens anticipated the 'current' use by about 150 years....
4
'E was very 'umble.
4
Interesting essay...but perspective is everything. I also know people who describe themselves as "blessed." They use the term not to frame their good fortune as a result of being "chosen," but rather as a method to verbalize to the universe that are grateful for the little they have and are not complaining, knowing things could be worse. The people I know who call themselves blessed are people with almost nothing. They are poor, have not been on a vacation in decades, no heat in the house, dead spouse, diagnosed with a disease, and have minimal insurance. They need to dig deep to find meaning in a life with little pleasure, and substantial suffering. By saying "I am blessed," you are saying, "I'm grateful to be alive, O universe, You don't need to show me what REAL suffering is."
5
All of this false humility makes me want to lose my lunch. The people using the term, especially in the new administration, are just verbally taking a dump on America...and the world.
6
Before you toss your cookies, Mr. Schwartz, a famous quote by Churchill comes to mind in describing one of his political peers: 'He is a modest man and he has a lot to be modest about'.
4
What do we do with a supremely immodest man who also has so much to be modest about?
5
Ignore the clownish and dangerous antics with an eye to the big picture? This is not the time to be shy, a shrinking violent or humble.
2
Word.
11
Wow- this is absolutely spot on--par for the course for the great Carina Chocano!
12
Humility is overrated.
9
The modest wish to be exalted?
We may be in for The Year of The Humbug.
'It was a curious sensation and wonderful experience to finally be in the presence of the Maestro himself, his painting worthy of Goya, a moment in time where one feels elated and rather grand. This most famous of figures announced that he was actually the owner of the inn and that the artist had just left for New Mexico. This was a pin in my balloon and I found myself most humbled and deflated.'
We may be in for The Year of The Humbug.
'It was a curious sensation and wonderful experience to finally be in the presence of the Maestro himself, his painting worthy of Goya, a moment in time where one feels elated and rather grand. This most famous of figures announced that he was actually the owner of the inn and that the artist had just left for New Mexico. This was a pin in my balloon and I found myself most humbled and deflated.'
Bravo for this long overdue examination of the rampant misuse of the term "humbled", about which I have complained to my friends for years. It is an indication of the illness of our society when narcissists can falsely assume a stance of humility and not be castigated endlessly for it.
The way I see it:
If a person succeeds, or has good fortune, or accepts an award, it is automatically an unforgivable faux-pas for them to describe themselves as "humbled".
If a person fails, or has bad fortune, or receives criticism they cannot deny is accurate, and this experience devastates their ego or self-esteem, then they may use the term "humbled" to describe themselves.
In our culture's headlong, deluded rush to all seem more "badass", the virtue of true humility has been completely lost. Only the truly humble are able to change themselves for the better, for only they can honestly admit their flaws, the first step in correcting them. Narcissists cannot change for the better, because they are blind to their flaws, seeing only perfection, so intent are they in puffing up their false self, and selling it to anyone gullible enough to mistake it for a real self.
Please help make 2017 the year the "humblebrag" is forever eradicated.
The way I see it:
If a person succeeds, or has good fortune, or accepts an award, it is automatically an unforgivable faux-pas for them to describe themselves as "humbled".
If a person fails, or has bad fortune, or receives criticism they cannot deny is accurate, and this experience devastates their ego or self-esteem, then they may use the term "humbled" to describe themselves.
In our culture's headlong, deluded rush to all seem more "badass", the virtue of true humility has been completely lost. Only the truly humble are able to change themselves for the better, for only they can honestly admit their flaws, the first step in correcting them. Narcissists cannot change for the better, because they are blind to their flaws, seeing only perfection, so intent are they in puffing up their false self, and selling it to anyone gullible enough to mistake it for a real self.
Please help make 2017 the year the "humblebrag" is forever eradicated.
60
Humble has become a synonym for proud. What is wrong with being proud of one's accomplishments anyway? The current use of humble is hypocritical.
11
#blessed..another ridiculous expression that has become meaningless.
48
Actually it does have a meaning. It's become a bit secularized, but it comes from the prosperity gospel tradition. If you do X,Y,Z, God will bless you--with peace, success, and stuff. It's a literal interpretation of various Old Testament texts referring to the faithful nation (or tribe or whoever) being blessed with abundance. This interpretation turns a relationship with God into a quid pro quo exchange.
So it looks like one is thanking God for being generous, but it really means you played your cards right.
So it looks like one is thanking God for being generous, but it really means you played your cards right.
#blessed is an inside joke with my closest friends. So fed up with this particular meme in association with a professional photograph from a charity event or an expensive vacation.
Church people in the South (Tallahassee) wish one "A blessed day."
Thank you... it never made sense to me why people claim to feel humbled after winning an award. I actually looked up the definition of the word recently when I heard someone say "humbled" during an acceptance speech to make sure I wasn't missing something.
28
Yes I agree, but if you're feeling good about yourself, no matter what you say or do nowadays someone will find a flaw and cut you down for it. Slightly boastful? Shameful. Falsely modest? Shameful. Humble/honored? Humblebragger. Genuinely humbled and grateful? You're perfect so we hate you.
The underlying issue of course is that because of escalating income inequality, and the grass-is-greener effect of social media, lots of people are feeling lousy about their own bank accounts, their bodies, their families, their own worth. It used to feel like there was plenty of good jobs to go around, and the future was bright — like most people had a chance to have a good life and feel good about themselves.
While that was never universally the case, it felt more true in the past than it does now. Many young people, especially at elite schools, sense the impossibility of being anything more than a hyper-competent but utterly insignificant cog in a world controlled by the .1%.
So who can blame people for wanting the most fortunate to at least pretend to be humbled?
The underlying issue of course is that because of escalating income inequality, and the grass-is-greener effect of social media, lots of people are feeling lousy about their own bank accounts, their bodies, their families, their own worth. It used to feel like there was plenty of good jobs to go around, and the future was bright — like most people had a chance to have a good life and feel good about themselves.
While that was never universally the case, it felt more true in the past than it does now. Many young people, especially at elite schools, sense the impossibility of being anything more than a hyper-competent but utterly insignificant cog in a world controlled by the .1%.
So who can blame people for wanting the most fortunate to at least pretend to be humbled?
9
Well said... I think the best way to live is to simply not interact at all. I realize my comment is totally hypocritical, but those of us who choose to forego social media accounts, commenting on news articles, and pushing our opinions down each others' throats at every opportunity - they are the only truly humble people out there. To state our opinion, to be in a position of influence, is to be devoid of humility entirely.
It is an honor and a privilege to have the New York Times publish some of my comments.
32
And I am truly humbled by the fact that the NYT chooses NOT to publish many of my most Wacked-out.
7
Ditto! 'My Friend'.
1
"I'm humbled" is becoming a cliche, like so many expressions people are expected to say in public life:
"Our prayers are with the family."
"I am sorry for the pain I caused my family."
"Thank you for your service."
They have become empty and meaningless words, not so much for the many times they are uttered, but for the empty and meaningless politicians who utter them.
"Our prayers are with the family."
"I am sorry for the pain I caused my family."
"Thank you for your service."
They have become empty and meaningless words, not so much for the many times they are uttered, but for the empty and meaningless politicians who utter them.
24
I have to disagree with you about the first and last phrases. Many people who say these things do mean them. My husband often gets told 'thank-you for your service'. He is quick to reply that he did not serve in a combat unit and does not deserve the thanks. This has lead to many a conversation about the nature of service, etc. None of the people who have said these things said them automatically, at least not in this town.
"They also server who only stand and wait."
From the sonnet "On His Blindness" by John Milton
From the sonnet "On His Blindness" by John Milton
I'm resigning to spend more time with my family.
2
Kellyanne Conway's humility is another of her alternative facts.
71
Without question, humility is the scarcest resource in the USA and a quality virtually non-existent amongst Millennials
27
Well, it's all those participation trophies they got as kids.
I agree that humility in this day and age in the US is all too rare.
As far as humility being virtually non-existant in Millennials, do you really need to make this claim? Sure, growing up in the age of social media has fueled the "humble brag" phenomenon and has affected the millennial generation more than its predecessors, but why do so many people feel the need to take every single chance to yet again criticize and put down the generation? Millennials have many characteristics they need to set aside to thrive in the workplace and interact well with older generations, but let's recognize that consistently disparaging one generation for a struggle that is present amongst all generations could do more harm than good.
As far as humility being virtually non-existant in Millennials, do you really need to make this claim? Sure, growing up in the age of social media has fueled the "humble brag" phenomenon and has affected the millennial generation more than its predecessors, but why do so many people feel the need to take every single chance to yet again criticize and put down the generation? Millennials have many characteristics they need to set aside to thrive in the workplace and interact well with older generations, but let's recognize that consistently disparaging one generation for a struggle that is present amongst all generations could do more harm than good.
5
Is there a reason that certain people feel the need to turn every topic into broad sweeping, generational slander?
Also, I think you missed the point of the article... otherwise you might have recognized that by stating millennials have no humility, you are actually paying them a major compliment.
Also, I think you missed the point of the article... otherwise you might have recognized that by stating millennials have no humility, you are actually paying them a major compliment.
5
Thank- we are all humbled by this new administration.
9
Humblebrag- your turn is coming. The administration is working to achieve that goal, but let's not get ahead of ourselves.
Unfortunately, I don't think the author of this article has a clue about what defines humility, as well as not knowing the complete history of Abraham Lincoln and his political policies toward chattel slavery in the US, otherwise Mr. Lincoln would not have been used as an example.
4
Yes, Lincoln held more favorable views of slavery than we would like. But it's more complicated than that.
I'm not saying there isn't a certain amount of irony, in calling a slavery-tolerater "humble." But while he did not free any slaves, Lincoln achieved more for abolition than many outspoken abolitionists. By tying emancipation to the war, he found a way to legally free slaves (basically as siezing enemy property) within a legal system built around slavery. You could certainly accuse him of being too concerned with the legalities and not concerned enough with the urgent human crisis of slavery, but his solution managed to preserve the country's government and make the previously unthinkable possible.
I'm not saying there isn't a certain amount of irony, in calling a slavery-tolerater "humble." But while he did not free any slaves, Lincoln achieved more for abolition than many outspoken abolitionists. By tying emancipation to the war, he found a way to legally free slaves (basically as siezing enemy property) within a legal system built around slavery. You could certainly accuse him of being too concerned with the legalities and not concerned enough with the urgent human crisis of slavery, but his solution managed to preserve the country's government and make the previously unthinkable possible.
2
Language changes and the American Henry James would be writing in a different style today. Reading of my great-father during the Civil War, I indulge in a moment of dramatic pride:
'On May 5, 1864, in the great cavalry charge at the battle of the Wilderness, where Rosser led his brigade in a sabre charge, Dr. Browne was wounded in the arm, while his brother Robert, who was riding beside him, and who was always considered one of the bravest and most fearless young men in the regiment, was shot through the heart and fell dead from his horse'.
President Lincoln would have recognized this language in the times he lived. It is dubious that today he would be tweeting away in the middle of the night when our Country is in need of a Leader. Chivalry, courtesy and compassion are going out the window, and we can forget about the concept of 'Nobility'.
Yeah and righto!
'On May 5, 1864, in the great cavalry charge at the battle of the Wilderness, where Rosser led his brigade in a sabre charge, Dr. Browne was wounded in the arm, while his brother Robert, who was riding beside him, and who was always considered one of the bravest and most fearless young men in the regiment, was shot through the heart and fell dead from his horse'.
President Lincoln would have recognized this language in the times he lived. It is dubious that today he would be tweeting away in the middle of the night when our Country is in need of a Leader. Chivalry, courtesy and compassion are going out the window, and we can forget about the concept of 'Nobility'.
Yeah and righto!
I'm humbled by the author's accuracy in describing my own world view.
10
If it would be helpful for the health of society to get back to the older meaning of "humble," as the author describes the just-starting-out-Lincoln, which I think it is, there are many barriers.
We live in a time when many very different attributes from humility are espoused as just common sense: branding, self-promotion, "having attitude," assertiveness, appearing confident (even if you have to fake it), being "professional or a "leader" (in too many definitions), lately being "nasty," seeking fame for fame's sake, the acceptability of snap judgments, the popularity of snark humor, having and showing the latest sneakers, the obsession with winning.
Maybe it would be helpful to remember the relatively new finding that we're only who we think we are because of the actions of bacteria in our gut. If those lowly "guys" decide to show "attitude," we quickly realize how non-wonderful our branded selves are that day.
We live in a time when many very different attributes from humility are espoused as just common sense: branding, self-promotion, "having attitude," assertiveness, appearing confident (even if you have to fake it), being "professional or a "leader" (in too many definitions), lately being "nasty," seeking fame for fame's sake, the acceptability of snap judgments, the popularity of snark humor, having and showing the latest sneakers, the obsession with winning.
Maybe it would be helpful to remember the relatively new finding that we're only who we think we are because of the actions of bacteria in our gut. If those lowly "guys" decide to show "attitude," we quickly realize how non-wonderful our branded selves are that day.
5
Abraham Lincoln was an attorney for the railroads and also worked for Dun and Bradstreet before becoming president but I het the humble origins. Bill Clinton once joked that he was born in a log cabin that he had built with his own hands. Not sure humblebrag is new.
2
People use "humbled" in the same way as "honored", as a way to show respect for the larger institution they're a part of as well as to the people who helped them get there. It doesn't really make sense, but neither do bowing, curtseying, kneeling, fake smiling and all the other awkward ways we forcefully show deference and respect to keep everyone happy.
25
Abraham Lincoln remained humble throughout his entire life as evidenced by the following story which took place in 1864:
One Saturday afternoon, when the lawn in front of the White House was crowded with people listening to the weekly concert of the Marine Band, the President appeared upon the portico. Instantly there was a clapping of hands and clamor for a speech. Bowing his thanks, and excusing himself, he stepped back into the retirement of the circular parlor, remarking to me, with disappointed air, as he reclined upon the sofa, "I wish they would let me sit out there quietly, and enjoy the music." I stated to him on this occasion, that I believed no President, since the days of Washington, ever secured the hearts of the people, and carried them with him as he had done. To this he replied that, in such a crisis as the country was then passing through, it was natural that the people should look more earnestly to their leaders than at other periods. He thought their regard for any man in his position who should sincerely have done his best to save the government from destruction, would have been equally marked and expressive; to which I did not by any means assent."
-- Francis B. Carpenter, "The Inner Life of Abraham Lincoln, Six Months at the White House," 1879.
One Saturday afternoon, when the lawn in front of the White House was crowded with people listening to the weekly concert of the Marine Band, the President appeared upon the portico. Instantly there was a clapping of hands and clamor for a speech. Bowing his thanks, and excusing himself, he stepped back into the retirement of the circular parlor, remarking to me, with disappointed air, as he reclined upon the sofa, "I wish they would let me sit out there quietly, and enjoy the music." I stated to him on this occasion, that I believed no President, since the days of Washington, ever secured the hearts of the people, and carried them with him as he had done. To this he replied that, in such a crisis as the country was then passing through, it was natural that the people should look more earnestly to their leaders than at other periods. He thought their regard for any man in his position who should sincerely have done his best to save the government from destruction, would have been equally marked and expressive; to which I did not by any means assent."
-- Francis B. Carpenter, "The Inner Life of Abraham Lincoln, Six Months at the White House," 1879.
20
I seem to recall former President George W. Bush using this kind of language about 16 years ago when he was first elected. This coincides roughly with the time when the author noted its presence.
1
This concept is not Christian at all--instead it is an Jewish concept. Others may appropriate this meaning (just as they have appropriated much of what we believe in and treasure) but it originates and resides in Judaism and is considered one of the things that makes a person a tzadik (righteous one).