History Main / SuddenHumility

* This is the plot of ''ComicBook/JLAActOfGod'', in which every superpowered hero is BroughtDownToNormal. There's no explanation as to why extraterrestrial heroes (such as ComicBook/MartianManhunter and Franchise/{{Superman}}) are affected or why tech-based heroes (like ComicBook/{{Steel}}) are spared while the ComicBook/{{Green Lantern}}s' rings (which are also tech) don't. As [[WebVideo/AtopTheFourthWall Linkara]] describes, the story comes off as a love letter to Franchise/{{Batman}}, as the depowered heroes who still want to be crimefighters are forced to undergo TrainingFromHell under the Caped Crusader's instruction and come to appreciate, one and all, how much he had to go through to be on their level.
* In ''ComicBook/AllStarSuperman'', ComicBook/LexLuthor gets empowered with abilities like Franchise/{{Superman}}'s for a day. While he at first reveled in the power and used it to terrorize Metropolis, at some point, the SuperSenses began to kick in, and Luthor suddenly gained a newfound perspective and started to Go Sane From The Revelation. For the first time, he understood the enormous weight that was on Superman's shoulders every day of his life. At the peak of it all, he ''cries'', and once the powers fade away, it's implied the lesson sticks with him.
* In one ''ComicBook/FantasticFour'' story penned by Creator/MarkWaid, the [[PlayingWithFire Human Torch]] and the [[{{Invisibility}} Invisible Woman]] [[PowersAsPrograms have their powers swapped]]. Susan constantly loses control over he powers and "Flames On!" by accident whenever she gets excited or emotional. She's utterly amazed that a HotBlooded person like Johnny was able to keep this much power under control, and she gained a newfound respect and appreciation for her brother because of how difficult it was for her to remain in control at all times.

* In ''Comicbook/{{Fables}}'', Prince Charming (who has the [[CharmPerson ability to do]] ExactlyWhatItSaysOnTheTin) manages to win an election against Mayor Cole (Old King Cole), who had held the position for centuries by that point. After a while, Prince Charming's reign begins to fall apart, and he realizes just how difficult it is to actually be in charge. King Cole remarks that it's not easy being the guy in charge--because that's the guy ''everyone'' will blame when something goes wrong.

Bob knows and frequently sees Alice. They may get along well or not so well. But Alice has some kind of disadvantage compared to him. It may be that Bob has a special ability that makes his life easier, or that Alice has a disability that makes her life harder; or maybe she has an uncomfortable status or an embarrassing trait compared to him. Bob doesn't really realize or pay attention to this: things are fine the way they are, aren't they?

* This is the plot of ''ComicBook/JLAActOfGod'', in which every superpowered hero is BroughtDownToNormal. There's no explanation as to why extraterrestrial heroes (such as ComicBook/MartianManhunter and Franchise/{{Superman}}) are affected or why tech-based heroes (like ComicBook/{{Steel}}) are spared while the ComicBook/{{Green Lantern}}s' rings (which are also tech) don't. As [[WebVideo/AtopTheFourthWall Linkara]] describes, the story comes off as a love-letter to Franchise/{{Batman}}, as the depowered heroes who still want to be crimefighters are forced to undergo TrainingFromHell under the Caped Crusader's instruction and come to appreciate, one and all, how much he had to go through to be on their level.

* Alicia Johns from the ''Literature/MaloryTowers'' series is a BrilliantButLazy DeadpanSnarker who is extremely condescending to anyone who is not as smart as she is. She also doesn't have much sympathy to the ill, because she herself almost never get sick... until the fourth book, where she got a fever so bad that she failed her exams. Ever since then, she's not as harsh towards those who are not as healthy or clever as herself.

** Finally, in TheMovie GrandFinale, Mr. Conklin ''is'' actually threatened with dismissal by Mr. Stone; in a ContinuityNod, Mr. Stone considering Conklin's strict rule of Madison High School "to be tantamount to malfeasance." Mr. Conklin tries acting humble. When that doesn't work, Conklin decides to run against Mr. Stone for the newly created post of "Coordinator of Education" (aka school board president/superintendent) to save his position.

** In another episode, Earl is married to a woman named Billie, who becomes upset that he's focused on the list instead of sex with her. She goes around town trying to undo everything on Earl's list, and threatens Earl's life, hiding out in the Camdenite territory (which is considered sovereign land). She comes back to the motel...dressed in the outfits worn by the Camdenite women. (They're sort of like the Amish, but...bizarre.) It turns out that the Camdenites didn't have a problem with her hiding out on their land, but they ''did'' have a problem with her not working while she was there. She found that working in the field really helped with her anger issues, she couldn't steal anything in a setting where all the property is shared, and seeing how the Camdenites treat each other inspired her to be a kinder and more considerate person. She ultimately decides to join them, and divorces Earl amicably, leaving him the money from her court settlement.

* Notably averted in the ''WesternAnimation/BatmanTheBraveAndTheBold'' episode "Powerless!" Captain Atom wallows in self-pity when BroughtDownToNormal and goes right back to being a SmugSuper when his powers come back. [[SpoofAesop He learned that humans are weak, pitiful and defenseless]] so demigods like himself have to protect them at all costs.

* ''WesternAnimation/DannyPhantom'' during the Spirit Week episode. He was in a diaper and had a sash the read 'Spirit Baby' in front of the high school community.

* ''Film/MaidToOrder1987'': The spoiled rich girl gets a fairy godmother who yanks her wealth away, leaving her to get a job as a maid, so she can see what kind of abuse "the help" goes through.

* This is the plot of ''ComicBook/JLAActOfGod'', in which every superpowered hero is BroughtDownToNormal. There's no explanation as to why extraterrestrial heroes (such as ComicBook/MartianManhunter and Franchise/{{Superman}}) are affected or why tech-based heroes (like ComicBook/{{Steel}}) are spared while the ComicBook/{{Green Lantern}}s' [[GreenLanternRing rings]] (which are also tech) don't. As [[WebVideo/AtopTheFourthWall Linkara]] describes, the story comes off as a love-letter to Franchise/{{Batman}}, as the depowered heroes who still want to be crimefighters are forced to undergo TrainingFromHell under the Caped Crusader's instruction and come to appreciate, one and all, how much he had to go through to be on their level.

** Again, in the penultimate television episode "Principal For A Day". Miss Brooks [[ExactlyWhatItSaysOnTheTin is briefly promoted to principal, and Mr. Conklin takes a position as history teacher.

* ''Wiki/SCPFoundation'': [[https://scp-wiki.wikidot.com/scp-5698 SCP-5698]] is a phenomenon where a preexisting warehouse and the people in it are temporarily overwritten with an entirely different history. Two people who got overwritten were previously the mayor of the surrounding town (who was voted in on a business-first agenda) and a county judge, believing they had worked at the warehouse for years and endured its unsavory business practices. While they wouldn't remember their time working there when the phenomenon went away, the experience stuck with them enough to start pushing for policies that better the lives of employees.

** In the same power-switch story arc, Johnny becomes the herald of Galactus and gains the power cosmic. It alters his sister's invisibility powers (which he had at the time) to both make things disappear and reveal what is hidden [[UpToEleven even on the abstract level]]. When he sees his family he sees their pasts and the people they are underneath. This humbles him and he sheds a [[TenderTears tear]], exclaiming how amazing they all are.

* ''Wiki/SCPFoundation'': [[https://scp-wiki.wikidot.com/scp-5698 SCP-5698]] is a phenomenon where a preexisting warehouse and the people in it are temporarily overwritten with an entirely different history. Two people who got overwritten were previously the mayor (who was voted in on a business-first agenda) and a county judge, believing they had worked at the warehouse for years and endured its unsavory business practices. While they wouldn't remember their time working there when the phenomenon went away, the experience stuck with them enough to start pushing for policies that better the lives of employees.

Can overlap with BroughtDownToNormal ''and'' GodForADay (if being God is not an easy position). Compare BreakTheHaughty. Contrast AlwaysNeedWhatYouGaveUp, when a loss is voluntary.

* This is the plot of ''ComicBook/JLAActOfGod'', in which every superpowered hero is BroughtDownToNormal. There's no explanation as to why extraterrestrial heroes (such as ComicBook/MartianManhunter and {{Superman}}) are affected or why tech-based heroes (like ComicBook/{{Steel}}) are spared while the ComicBook/{{Green Lantern}}s' [[GreenLanternRing rings]] (which are also tech) don't. As [[WebVideo/AtopTheFourthWall Linkara]] describes, the story comes off as a love-letter to Franchise/{{Batman}}, as the depowered heroes who still want to be crimefighters are forced to undergo TrainingFromHell under the Caped Crusader's instruction and come to appreciate, one and all, how much he had to go through to be on their level.

* ''Film/MaidToOrder:'' The spoiled rich girl gets a fairy godmother who yanks her wealth away, leaving her to get a job as a maid, so she can see what kind of abuse "the help" goes through.