His academic record was historic.

He had met presidents and foreign dignitaries.

Universities and museums wanted him on stage.

Yet accounts from family members and institutions repeatedly return to humility.

This did not mean he lacked confidence.

Humility and confidence are not opposites.

Medicine Crow could tell a room that he had completed the four war deeds because the statement was true and his people had recognized it.

He did not need to exaggerate the story to make himself larger.

The deeds belonged to a tradition in which honor was public but self-promotion could undermine the very qualities being honored.

His storytelling often used humor for the same reason.