quotations about humility
Humility has nothing to do with depreciating ourselves and our gifts in ways we know to be untrue. Even "humble" attitudes can be masks of pride. Humility is that freedom from our self which enables us to be in positions in which we have neither recognition nor importance, neither power nor visibility, and even experience deprivation, and yet have joy and delight. It is the freedom of knowing that we are not in the center of the universe, not even in the center of our own private universe.
DAVID F. WELLS
Losing Our Virtue
It is very difficult for the prosperous to be humble.
JANE AUSTEN
Emma
It was pride that changed angels into devils; it is humility that makes men as angels.
AUGUSTINE OF HIPPO
attributed, Manipulus Florum
Humility is a beautiful centre, from which every other virtue radiates.
LADY MOUNTCASHEL
attributed, Day's Collacon
Humility is not my forte, and whenever I dwell for any length of time on my own shortcomings, they gradually begin to seem mild, harmless, rather engaging little things, not at all like the staring defects in other people’s characters.
MARGARET HALSEY
With Malice Toward Some
A great man is always willing to be little.
RALPH WALDO EMERSON
"Compensation", Essays
Humility is the root, mother, nurse, foundation, and bond of all virtue.
SAINT JOHN CHRYSOSTOM
A Commentary on the Acts of the Apostles
Life is a long lesson in humility.
J.M. BARRIE
The Little Minister
True humility is not thinking less of yourself; it is thinking of yourself less.
RICK WARREN
The Purpose Driven Life
True humility is having the understanding that, even as a small seed, we are still an important part of the greater plan. However, we are not the master planner.
TANYA COPPRUE
Under the Mango Tree
Lowliness is the base of every virtue,
And he who goes the lowest builds the safest.
PHILIP JAMES BAILEY
Festus
The eminent person who takes no notice of his own perfection is twice eminent.
BALTASAR GRACIAN
Oraculo Manual y Arte de Prudencia
True humility does not know that it is humble. If it did, it would be proud from the contemplation of so fine a virtue.
MARTIN LUTHER
Martin Luther Christmas Book
Many persons, when exalted, assume an insolent humility, who behaved before with an insolent haughtiness.
WILLIAM SHENSTONE
Essays on Men and Manners
Every one that exalteth himself shall be abased; and he that humbleth himself shall be exalted.
BIBLE
Luke 18:14
Humility is throwing oneself away in complete concentration on something or someone else.
MADELEINE L'ENGLE
A Circle of Quiet
And the Devil did grin, for his darling sin
Is pride that apes humility.
SAMUEL TAYLOR COLERIDGE
The Devil's Thoughts
When stepped on, the worm curls up. That is a clever thing to do. Thus it reduces its chances of being stepped on again. In the language of morality: humility.
FRIEDRICH NIETZSCHE
"Maxims and Arrows,", Twilight of the Idols
Humility is a virtue when you have no other.
EDWARD ABBEY
A Voice Crying in the Wilderness
He that places himself neither higher nor lower than he ought to do, exercises the truest humility.
CHARLES CALEB COLTON
Lacon