Humble

Free Yourself from the Traps of a Narcissistic World

By: Daryl R. Van Tongeren PhD

Narrated by: Alex Boyles

A practical and philosophical deep dive into humility: how it can build confidence, foster honesty about our strengths and limitations, and help us achieve success

Daryl Van Tongeren is a leading researcher on the science of humility. In Humble, he gives this unassuming trait a much-needed rebrand, explaining why the humble enjoy a more secure sense of self, handle challenges better, and, indeed, are often the people we like the most.

That’s not to say Van Tongeren has mastered humility. (When he asked his wife to rate him on a scale from one to ten, she gave him a four.) But in a world where narcissism is on the rise—where the shameless dominate social media and getting noticed is considered key to getting ahead—it’s not surprising that we all have a bit of work to do on our sometimes self-sabotaging egos.

In its true sense, humbleness is the happy medium between self-denial and self-obsession: It grants the holder an accurate view of reality. By seeing where we have room to improve, we can grow. By admitting our doubts, we can learn. And by acknowledging our own worldview as one among many, we can truly connect with others despite our differences.

A thought-provoking call to reexamine our values, Humble signals a paradigm shift—from the “self-esteem movement” run amok to a better world in which we lift up one another.

PLEASE NOTE: When you purchase this title, the accompanying PDF will be available in your Audible Library along with the audio.

©2022 Daryl R. Van Tongeren, PhD (P)2022 Blackstone Publishing

humility enables excellence and connection

Really loved this piece and will use it in executive coating and in my own life. Being brave and strong and capable only works if we also have humility and recovery skills. Thank you to the author — this is a terrific book, with great research and personal disclosure that makes it both heady and human

I’d like to think of myself as humble, but that thought is problematic

Daryl Van Tongeren wrote an excellent book that compiles an extraordinary amount of research and presents it in an interesting and compelling way. I thoroughly enjoyed reading and repeatedly felt convicted and challenged to grow in humility in my own life. Thank you, Daryl, for writing this book.

Eye opening

This book is very eye opening. I learned a lot about myself and how not so humble I've been. I finally got the truth that I needed.

Highly recommended

One of the more impactful and actionable books I’ve read, I’d struggle to think of anyone that wouldn’t benefit from an honest and reflective reading of this book.

Such a needed issue today!

This is an incredible book, well thought out and approachable. The research is clearly presented without being too technical. It’s going to get a second round from me.

Change of perspective

This title helps with developing humility. It is a practical guide to consider. Give it a read. And put humility. Into practice!

Social justice treatise

The author is an expert on the subject, however he spends a majority of the book telling the reader how amazing he is at being humble. If being more humble is a ploy to promote social justice and give the reader a false sense of doing what is good for society, then no thanks! Take from this book the idea that being more open minded, not being a braggart, and cooperating with the people you interact with, instead of bullying, is better. A short essay would have proven the author’s point more concisely.