“What kills a skunk is the publicity it gives itself.” Abraham Lincoln
One of the qualities that I find most endearing in a man is humility, a modest view of his own importance.
And that’s why I have such a strong dislike of the commonly named “High Five”.
That childish practice in which two people slap each other’s palms in a gesture of self-congratulation.
Everything that is overused becomes a worn out prop for people who lack imagination.
When you cannot come up with an original idea, you start stealing somebody else’s shtick. You start aping those dubious sports figures bulging with steroids, and those individuals are not exactly shining examples of propriety.
In a world swarming with sycophants, a man needs to remain grounded.
When accomplishing something slightly above average, he could acknowledge his satisfaction with a modest hand gesture or a slight bow, but definitely not with a low-class High Five.
The High Five is not even a distant cousin of humility. It basically says: I just did something exceptionally good and I deserve applauds for it!
Bollocks! as our British friends would politely say.
Only spectators are licensed to pass judgment. If they deem your actions meritorious, they will applaud you. If not, it is definitely not up to you to pat yourself on the back.
Nothing is more unpleasant than showing off, and High Fives are tangible signs of hubris.
On the pétanque field or anywhere else, it would behoove you to avoid these childish displays of narcissism and stick to more restrained forms of jubilation.
It would be greatly appreciated.
Alain
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