Is it so wrong to admit and claim ones greatness? The phrase in question, made famous/infamous by Mohammed Ali in the 1950s/1960s was not something the masses expected a negro would even have dreamed of thinking let along telling the world.
Ali was of course the greatest heavyweight boxer of the world at that time, regardless to who believed he was out of his station.
We Brits are often taught that modesty is the best policy and as a matter of class and good British manners we should let our achievements speak for themselves.
Too often have I heard American artists proclaim that they are "on top of their game". The Grammy and Brit awards winning rapper, Kanye West, springs to mind as he is often quoted as being egotistical and arrogant for saying just this.
Interestingly enough at the recent Brit awards, Chris Martin, of Coldplay kneeled down and declared to the world "It's hard for us sometimes because we are English and we do not like to admit that we think we are great, so tonight we would like to agree with you for giving us this award."
Furthermore, he later went on to thank Kanye West, albeit for his gold ladies, but I think that maybe Martin has been influenced by West's mantra.
In my own personal life, my partner and I are also reaping the benefits of admitting that we are great at what we do. Admitting ones greatness does everything for ones self esteem. it allows you to nurture your skills and aim for bigger and better things. Admittedly, one must be able to admit ones failings but focusing on them does not allow much room for inner success and happiness.
So ask yourself how great are you?
