As writer Oliver Herford said, “Modesty is the gentle art of enhancing your charm by pretending not to be aware of it.”
In reading the most recent Forbes Magazine list of “Entertainment’s Highest-Earning Women” (10 altogether), my attention was instantly turned to the young woman listed at #4. This young woman is not just the epitome of the true talent we witness through her musical career, but she is also a prime example of modesty.
Twenty-one year old Taylor Swift earned $45 million dollars from her work between May 2010 and May 2011. Although we are all very familiar with her work in the industry, especially her highly relatable music and Cover Girl commercials, can we say that we have seen or heard enough of Taylor in the past year to imagine her earnings to be so great? Not so much. But that does not mean she has not been doing beyond what we know of her. In addition to her music, the American country-pop singer-songwriter has expanded her celebrity repertoire to include philanthropy, donating to many efforts and relief funds, and advocating the importance of education by donating to various schools.
So, what can we, as young women, learn from Ms. Swift? Being humble about your talents can go a long way. It’s good to surprise others, letting them seek out your charm and what makes you special. We might not see a lot of Taylor Swift, but she’s there and she’s using her talents wonderfully.