Humorous on Self-Importance

Early in life I had to choose between honest arrogance and hypocritical humility. I chose the former and have seen no reason to change. --Frank Lloyd Wright.

What is it about airport waiting areas that bring out the worst in people? On one particular day, bad weather had caused delays and cancellations throughout the system. Hundreds of anxious travelers were on standby. One of these passengers, a senior business executive, was desperate to get on a plane so he would not be late for a meeting. He kept crowding the counter, trying to get the airline staff to do something to move his name higher up the standby list.

The agent had just put down the microphone, having said to the crowd for the third or fourth time: "Those of you who are on standby, please sit down and we will call your name when we have a seat for you."

Nevertheless, this man would not take "maybe" for an answer. He kept pestering the agent, explaining how important it was that he get on the next flight. Finally, in exasperation, he asked her, "Do you know who I am?"

The agent had had enough. Picking up the microphone, she announced: "Ladies and gentlemen, we have a man here who does not know who he is. Would someone please claim him, offer him a seat in the waiting area, and tell him I'll talk to him when it's his turn?"

On a serious note:

Talent is God-given. Be humble. 

Fame is man-given. Be grateful. 

Conceit is self-given. Be careful.
--Legendary UCLA basketball coach, John Wooden.