Humility is crucial. Being humble acknowledges that we, as people, are not inherently better than the guy next to us. It makes us all a little more human, a little more relatable, and a lot more likeable.

Unfortunately, it’s also kind of a lost art.

Arrogance, the polar opposite of humility, is the root of much strife and conflict around the world.

Making more money than the average Joe can give anyone an inflated sense of importance. Social strata are, in fact, designed to make the have-nots feel less significant than those who possess wealth, status, luxury, beauty, and everything of value in American society.

But the wealthy often flaunt their blessings instead of appreciating them.

This class division has brought about the so-called “superiority complex,” which is extremely prevalent in today’s society.

There are countless reality shows dedicated to rich, blonde Californian housewives with no concerns other than hiring a dogsitter and getting their highlights touched up.

Athletes demand multi-million dollar salaries so they can afford to go out every weekend in their top-of-the-line cars, showing off their lavish lifestyles, endorsement deals, and trophy wives.

People will take every means possible to make sure others know just how rich, powerful, and influential they are

The most enjoyable people are those who are humble and who thank others for their achievements and blessings.

So what does it mean when famous people are arrogant? Are they throwing their lavish lifestyles in our faces? Probably. But most of the time, we don’t care. Most could care less that celebrities make more money than them.

Last Sunday, when Seahawks corner Richard Sherman made a great defensive play, deflecting the pass resulting in the game ending interception, he was understandably excited. His team will be in the Super Bowl and he was, at the moment, full of adrenaline pumping through his veins.

During his post-game rant, the fact that he called himself the “best corner in the game” is not the issue. It’s true; look up his statistics.

The interview should have ended there. It should have gone more like this: “I’m the best in the game; now it’s on to the Super Bowl. We’ll see if we can get it done.” He could have also echoed what 99% of athletes say after winning a playoff game: “I want to thank God.” That would have been totally acceptable. As angry as 49er fans were, had it ended at that, likely no controversy would have ensued.

But Sherman just couldn’t stop his mouth – and his ego – from speaking for him.

“When you try me against a sad receiver like [Michael] Crabtree, that’s the result you get,” he shouted angrily as Fox sideline reporter Erin Andrews watched on, obviously taken aback.

Oh Richard, did you have to put your foot in your mouth? Sure, he made himself look bad, but it also makes the whole organization look bad and classless. Granted, they are classless; just look at the team’s history. They are so cocky, actually proud of making the playoffs with a losing record a few years ago.  They haven’t won a single Super Bowl, yet they act like they’ve won 5.  No, the Niners have won 5.

Everyone loves San Francisco’s Joe Montana, Jerry Rice and Bill Walsh. They have earned more bragging rights in 10 years than the entire Seahawks organization has in its many years because they never bragged. They let their play, not their mouths, do the talking.

I don’t care if you are on a team I dislike or make more money than I do; it will be a lot harder to hate you if you’re a humble, respectful person.

Sadly, not just in sports but in many facets of popular culture, the values of humility and thankfulness have fallen to pride and ego, and those who defend Sherman’s actions are promoting this backwards thinking. One has to wonder, whatever happened to sportsmanship?

What happened to thanking others instead of hogging the limelight?

What happened to developing an attitude of gratitude?

Instead of bragging about what you have, remember that others have nothing. Take pride in your blessings rather than your bank account. And thank all of the people who have helped you get to where you are today.