Dumbledore: Taking himself lightly

G. K. Chesterton said that angels can fly because they take themselves lightly. This seems to be the source and character of Albus Dumbledore's power as well, how lightly he takes himself. He's the most powerful wizard in the Harry Potter series. Yet Hagrid's constant compliment isn't "great wizard" but "great man". Dumbledore also shows a great fondness for ordinary things like lemon drops. His humility can be seen is his fondness and appreciation for muggles and squibs which most wizards have at least some disdain. He's not ashamed that his brother, Aberforth, cannot read. He seems to downplay his knowledge of Hogwart's in Book 4 to the other Headmasters at the ball. He also seems to be a great delegator of duties, trusting Hagrid when most people wouldn't - even in his Book 5 fight with Voldemort he uses the ministry fountain statues and his trusted Phoenix, Fawkes, rather than engage the evil wizard directly. He's a friend to the outcast and downtrodden giving many of them positions (Trelawney, Firenze, Filch, Hagrid, Lupin) at his own professional risk. One of the marks of the dark wizards is they love displays of magic, cunning and power. Dumbledore seems to be cunning enough, but he keeps it all on the inside, opting instead for deeper and more subtle forms of magic, reserving force for times of greatest need. I've read on different fan-sites speculations on why Dumbledore doesn't say words when he casts spells in the books, but I prefer to think that he is whispering the spells, almost in a humble awe at the magical art like the alchemist in the famous painting "The discovery of Phosporous". (http://www2.truman.edu/~ramberg/wright.jpg) My thoughts for now....