Words Poorly Used #107 — Humility

We often use humility to mean un-self-centered and objective, not acting on an assumption of superiority.  Most dictionaries, however, say that the word comes from the Latin word for low.  I cannot accept the gradation of humans that presents them as prisoners of a caste system.  I think what we are looking for is a different, better word that says “down to earth,” “level-headed,” “even handed,” “unassuming,” “objective,” “worthwhile,” and so forth.  Maybe “genuine?”

— Kilgore Forelle