From Detroit, USA to Cape Town, South Africa: a Humble Man & his Work

A man who embodies humility, humbleness, is Sixto Rodriguez.  Born in Detroit, Michigan, 1942, currently age 76, Rodriguez is a musician, singer/songwriter, construction worker, husband, father and political activist.  He has become famous, worldwide, as a result of the 2012 oscar-winning documentary, 'Searching for Sugar Man', but he was famous in South Africa and a couple of other countries before that because of his music, two record albums, 'Cold Fact' (1970) and 'Coming from Reality' (1971).  His songs have been an inspiration to many.  They may be heard on YouTube.

Humility is a quality of human personality, opposite to egotistical pride.  Merriam-Webster defines the noun thusly, "freedom from pride or arrogance : the quality or state of being humble."  To be humble is a way of life or personal attitude advocated in world religions.  In Christianity, many thinkers and leaders have expounded on humbleness through the centuries.  Of course actions do not always agree with words, practice doesn't always go along with principle.  The importance of humility in Christian morality comes from the life and teaching of Jesus of Nazareth.  When Jesus was arrested, his followers tried to defend him, but Jesus didn't allow that, surrendering himself in submission to God's will (Jn 18 and par).  Some sayings of Jesus that bear on the meaning of humility:

 Whoever exalts himself will be humbled, and whoever humbles himself will be exalted (Mt 23.12).

    So those who are last will be first, and those who are first will be last (Mt 20.16)." 

Blessed are the meek, for they shall inherit the earth (Mt 5.5).

Love your brother as your soul; watch over him like the apple of your eye (GTh 25).

Whoever among you becomes least will know the kingdom (GTh 46).

Love your neighbor as yourself (Mk 12.31).

Sixto Rodriguez gave up the music business and turned to renovating abandoned houses in Detroit.  He did the dirty work of this job day after day, year after year.  The music has never left him, however and he keeps playing guitar, performing his songs.  He has run for elected office in Detroit, but never got enough votes.  His reticence and humility, as evidenced in the documentary film, are impressive, indicating a well-grounded person, or depending on viewpoint, may elicit scorn and a wave of dismissal.  He is a stranger and a friend.

Further reading:  Craig Strydom & Stephen Segerman, Sugar Man: The Life, Death and Resurrection  of Sixto Rodriguez (South Africa:  Penguin, 2015)