Because in the school of the Spirit man learns wisdom through humility, knowledge by forgetting, how to speak by silence, how to live by dying. ~Johannes Tauler

IN Paradise there are many Saints who never gave alms on earth: their poverty justified them. There are many Saints who never mortified their bodies by fasting, or wearing hair shirts: their bodily infirmities excused them. There are many Saints too who were not virgins: their vocation was otherwise. But in Paradise there is no Saint who was not humble. ~Fr. Cajetan Mary da Bergamo

Pride slays thanksgiving, but an humble mind is the soil out of which thanks naturally grow. A proud man is seldom a grateful man, for he never thinks he gets as much as he deserves. ~Henry Ward Beecher

The man who thinks he can live without others is mistaken; the one who thinks others can’t live without him is even more deluded. ~Hasidic Saying

Humility is the only virtue that no devil can imitate. If pride made demons out of angels, there is no doubt that humility could make angels out of demons. ~Saint John Climacus

Humility is attentive patience. ~Simone Weil

A disease and its treatment can be a series of humiliations, a chisel for humility. ~Laurel Lee

Humility is not cowardice. Meekness is not weakness. Humility and meekness are indeed spiritual powers. ~Swami Sivananda

Humility is the foundation of all the other virtues hence, in the soul in which this virtue does not exist there cannot be any other virtue except in mere appearance. ~Saint Augustine of Hippo

Pride makes us artificial and humility makes us real. ~Thomas Merton

True humility is contentment. ~Henri Frederic Amiel

Humility, that low, sweet root, From which all heavenly virtues shoot. ~Saint Thomas Moore

Humility is the only certain defense against humiliation. ~Anonymous

To be humble to superiors is duty, to equals courtesy, to inferiors nobleness. ~Benjamin Franklin

I claim to be a simple individual liable to err like any other fellow mortal. I own, however, that I have humility enough to confess my errors and to retrace my steps. ~Mahatma Gandhi

What makes humility so desirable is the marvelous thing it does to us; it creates in us a capacity for the closest possible intimacy with God. ~Monica Baldwin

Life is a long lesson in humility. ~James Matthew Barrie

We come nearest to the great when we are great in humility. ~Rabindranath Tagore

If I have seen further than others, it is by standing upon the shoulders of giants. ~Isaac Newton

Humility is the only true wisdom by which we prepare our minds for all the possible changes of life. ~George Arliss

Humility makes great men twice honorable ~Benjamin Franklin

Humility is to make a right estimate of one’s self. ~Charles H. Spurgeon

Humility is the solid foundation of all virtues. ~Kong Fu Zi

Without humility there can be no humanity. ~John Buchan

Humility is a necessary veil to all other graces. ~William Gurnall

Fairest and best adorned is she Whose clothing is humility. ~James Montgomery

The truest way to be deceived is to think oneself more knowing than others. ~François de la Rochefoucauld

Silly Humility Quotes and Sayings

Humility is like underwear, essential, but indecent if it shows. ~Helen Nielsen

One may be humble out of pride. ~Michel de Montaigne

I’ve never had a humble opinion. If you’ve got an opinion, why be humble about it? ~Joan Baez

Early in life I had to choose between honest arrogance and hypocritical humility. I chose the former and have seen no reason to change. ~Frank Lloyd Wright

Funny Humility Quotes and Sayings

At the feast of ego everyone leaves hungry. ~Anonymous

Every animal knows more than you do. ~Nez Perce Proverb

Don’t look for more honor than your learning merits. ~Jewish Proverb

If every fool wore a crown, we should all be kings. ~Welsh Proverb

The proud man can learn humility, but he will be proud of it. ~Mignon McLaughlin

A man who is eating or lying with his wife or preparing to go to sleep in humility, thankfulness and temperance, is, by Christian standards, in an infinitely higher state than one who is listening to Bach or reading Plato in a state of pride. ~C. S. Lewis

Humility and knowledge in poor clothes excel pride and ignorance in costly attire. ~William Penn

I have lived as plain Mr. Jinnah and I hope to die as plain Mr. Jinnah. I am very much averse to any title or honours and I will be more than happy if there was no prefix to my name. ~Muhammad Ali Jinnah

A sarcastic person has a superiority complex that can be cured only by the honesty of humility. ~Lawrence G. Lovasik

Humility is pride in God. ~Austin O’Malley

Be humble, for the worst thing in the world is of the same stuff as you; be confident, for the stars are of the same stuff as you. ~Nicholai Velimirovic

The churches must learn humility as well as teach it. ~George Bernard Shaw

Humility must always be the portion of any man who receives acclaim earned in the blood of his followers and the sacrifices of his friends. ~Dwight David Eisenhower

Humility is no substitute for a good personality. ~Fran Lebowitz

If I had any humility I would be perfect. ~Ted Turner

Humility is a virtue that has been celebrated and cherished throughout history by various cultures and individuals. It is a quality that encompasses self-awareness, modesty, and an acknowledgment of one’s limitations. In the words of Johannes Tauler, “Because in the school of the Spirit man learns wisdom through humility, knowledge by forgetting, how to speak by silence, how to live by dying.” In this article, we will explore the profound wisdom behind humility and its impact on our lives.

Humility in Paradise

In the realm of spirituality, humility holds a special place. Fr. Cajetan Mary da Bergamo eloquently states, “IN Paradise there are many Saints who never gave alms on earth: their poverty justified them. There are many Saints who never mortified their bodies by fasting, or wearing hair shirts: their bodily infirmities excused them. There are many Saints too who were not virgins: their vocation was otherwise. But in Paradise, there is no Saint who was not humble.” This quote underscores the universality of humility as a virtue that transcends specific acts of piety or charity.

The Downfall of Pride

Henry Ward Beecher’s words remind us of the perils of pride, stating, “Pride slays thanksgiving, but a humble mind is the soil out of which thanks naturally grow. A proud man is seldom a grateful man, for he never thinks he gets as much as he deserves.” Pride often blinds us to the blessings we have and prevents us from expressing gratitude. Humility, on the other hand, allows us to appreciate the goodness in our lives and fosters a thankful heart.

The Delusion of Self-Sufficiency

The Hasidic Saying succinctly captures the folly of thinking oneself self-sufficient, asserting, “The man who thinks he can live without others is mistaken; the one who thinks others can’t live without him is even more deluded.” Humility teaches us that we are interconnected with others and rely on their support just as they rely on ours. It is a reminder of our shared humanity and interdependence.

Humility’s Transformative Power

Saint John Climacus beautifully articulates the transformative potential of humility: “Humility is the only virtue that no devil can imitate. If pride made demons out of angels, there is no doubt that humility could make angels out of demons.” This quote illustrates how humility can redeem and elevate even the most fallen among us. It is a force that has the power to turn darkness into light.

Humility as Attentive Patience

Simone Weil provides a unique perspective on humility, describing it as “Humility is attentive patience.” This definition encourages us to view humility as an active quality, one that requires us to be patient and attentive to the world around us. It invites us to listen, learn, and grow through our interactions with others.

Humility in Times of Trial

Laurel Lee’s quote, “A disease and its treatment can be a series of humiliations, a chisel for humility,” reminds us that humility can emerge from life’s challenges. When we face adversity, it often humbles us, helping us to recognize our vulnerability and limitations. In such moments, humility becomes a valuable tool for personal growth and resilience.

The Strength of Humility

Contrary to misconceptions, humility is not a sign of weakness. Swami Sivananda emphasizes this in his quote: “Humility is not cowardice. Meekness is not weakness. Humility and meekness are indeed spiritual powers.” It is a reminder that humility is a source of strength, allowing us to navigate life’s trials with grace and dignity.

Humility’s Role as a Foundation

Saint Augustine of Hippo asserts, “Humility is the foundation of all the other virtues hence, in the soul in which this virtue does not exist, there cannot be any other virtue except in mere appearance.” This quote highlights the pivotal role humility plays in our moral and spiritual development. Without humility, other virtues may be superficial or insincere.

Authenticity Through Humility

Thomas Merton’s quote, “Pride makes us artificial and humility makes us real,” speaks to the authenticity that humility brings to our lives. When we let go of pride and pretense, we can truly be ourselves, fostering deeper and more meaningful connections with others.

Contentment in Humility

Henri Frederic Amiel succinctly captures the essence of humility: “True humility is contentment.” In a world that often encourages us to constantly strive for more, humility reminds us to find contentment in the present moment, appreciating what we have rather than yearning for what we lack.

The Root of Virtue

Saint Thomas Moore’s quote, “Humility, that low, sweet root, From which all heavenly virtues shoot,” reminds us that humility serves as the fertile soil from which all other virtues can grow. It is the starting point for our journey toward becoming better individuals.

Humility as Defense

Anonymous wisely notes, “Humility is the only certain defense against humiliation.” While pride may shield us temporarily, it ultimately makes us vulnerable to the sting of humiliation. Humility, on the other hand, provides a solid defense by allowing us to accept our mistakes and learn from them.

The Threefold Duty of Humility

Benjamin Franklin’s quote succinctly outlines the different facets of humility: “To be humble to superiors is duty, to equals courtesy, to inferiors nobleness.” This perspective on humility reminds us that it is a versatile virtue that guides our interactions with individuals at all levels of society.

Humility in Self-Reflection

Mahatma Gandhi’s words, “I claim to be a simple individual liable to err like any other fellow mortal. I own, however, that I have humility enough to confess my errors and to retrace my steps,” illustrate how humility can aid in self-reflection and personal growth. It allows us to acknowledge our mistakes and take corrective actions.

The Gateway to Intimacy with God

Monica Baldwin provides a spiritual dimension to humility, stating, “What makes humility so desirable is the marvelous thing it does to us; it creates in us a capacity for the closest possible intimacy with God.” This perspective highlights how humility opens the door to a deeper connection with the divine and a more profound understanding of our spiritual journey.

Life’s Lessons in Humility

James Matthew Barrie humorously observes, “Life is a long lesson in humility.” Indeed, as we navigate the ups and downs of life, we continually encounter situations that humble us, teaching us valuable lessons along the way.

Greatness in Humility

Rabindranath Tagore reminds us that true greatness lies in humility: “We come nearest to the great when we are great in humility.” It is often those who humbly serve others and lead with empathy who leave the most lasting impact on the world.

Standing on the Shoulders of Giants

Isaac Newton’s famous quote, “If I have seen further than others, it is by standing upon the shoulders of giants,” underscores the role of humility in acknowledging the contributions of those who came before us. Humility reminds us that our achievements are built upon the knowledge and efforts of those who paved the way.

The Wisdom of Humility

George Arliss aptly observes, “Humility is the only true wisdom by which we prepare our minds for all the possible changes of life.” In an ever-changing world, humility equips us with the adaptability and resilience needed to navigate uncertainty.

Honoring Great Men

Benjamin Franklin offers another perspective on the relationship between humility and honor: “Humility makes great men twice honorable.” This quote suggests that humility enhances the greatness of individuals, making their accomplishments and character even more commendable.

Self-Evaluation Through Humility

Charles H. Spurgeon provides insight into self-evaluation, stating, “Humility is to make a right estimate of one’s self.” Humility encourages us to assess ourselves honestly, acknowledging both our strengths and weaknesses.

The Bedrock of Virtue

Kong Fu Zi (Confucius) affirms, “Humility is the solid foundation of all virtues.” This ancient wisdom highlights the centrality of humility in our moral and ethical development.

Humanity and Humility

John Buchan’s quote, “Without humility there can be no humanity,” underscores the essential connection between humility and our ability to relate to and empathize with others. Humility fosters compassion and understanding.

Veil to All Graces

William Gurnall describes humility as a necessary veil to all other graces. This metaphor emphasizes how humility acts as a protective and enhancing layer, allowing other virtues to shine through.

Adorned in Humility

James Montgomery’s poetic quote beautifully captures the visual imagery of humility: “Fairest and best adorned is she Whose clothing is humility.” It likens humility to an elegant garment that enhances one’s inner beauty.

Humility: The Essential, Yet Indecent Virtue

Helen Nielsen adds a touch of humor to the discussion with her quote, “Humility is like underwear, essential, but indecent if it shows.” This lighthearted remark reminds us that humility is a virtue that should be practiced genuinely rather than displayed for show.

Humility: A Paradoxical Virtue

Michel de Montaigne playfully suggests, “One may be humble out of pride.” This paradoxical statement invites us to ponder the complexities of human nature and the multifaceted nature of humility.

Unapologetic Opinions

Joan Baez humorously declares, “I’ve never had a humble opinion. If you’ve got an opinion, why be humble about it?” While this quote may elicit a chuckle, it also prompts us to reflect on the balance between humility and self-expression.

The Feast of Ego

Anonymous brings a humorous perspective to ego and humility, stating, “At the feast of ego, everyone leaves hungry.” This amusing analogy reminds us of the emptiness that often accompanies arrogance and self-centeredness.

The Wisdom of Every Animal

The Nez Perce Proverb humorously suggests, “Every animal knows more than you do.” This witty remark underscores the idea that humility requires us to recognize that we can learn from a variety of sources, even those we might consider less intelligent.

Modesty in Recognition

Jewish Proverb offers a whimsical perspective on recognition, advising, “Don’t look for more honor than your learning merits.” This quote encourages us to embrace humility in our pursuit of acknowledgment and respect.

Kings of Fools

Welsh Proverb injects a touch of humor with the quote, “If every fool wore a crown, we should all be kings.” This witty saying reminds us that humility is a virtue worth aspiring to, even in a world where arrogance may seem prevalent.

The Proud Learner

Mignon McLaughlin presents a humorous twist on personal growth, stating, “The proud man can learn humility, but he will be proud of it.” This tongue-in-cheek remark highlights the irony that can accompany our efforts to become more humble.

The Simple Life

C. S. Lewis offers a thought-provoking perspective on humility, contrasting it with worldly pursuits: “A man who is eating or lying with his wife or preparing to go to sleep in humility, thankfulness, and temperance, is, by Christian standards, in an infinitely higher state than one who is listening to Bach or reading Plato in a state of pride.” This quote reminds us that humility can be found in the simple, everyday moments of life.

The Balance of Humility and Knowledge

William Penn’s quote, “Humility and knowledge in poor clothes excel pride and ignorance in costly attire,” humorously illustrates that true wisdom is not measured by external appearances. It suggests that genuine humility and knowledge are far more valuable than superficial displays of wealth or arrogance.

The Humble Leader

Muhammad Ali Jinnah’s statement, “I have lived as plain Mr. Jinnah, and I hope to die as plain Mr. Jinnah. I am very much averse to any title or honours and I will be more than happy if there was no prefix to my name,” reflects the simplicity and humility of a leader who values substance over symbols.

Sarcasm and Humility

Lawrence G. Lovasik provides insight into the relationship between sarcasm and humility, asserting, “A sarcastic person has a superiority complex that can be cured only by the honesty of humility.” This quote suggests that humility can counteract the divisive effects of sarcasm, promoting open and genuine communication.

Pride in God

Austin O’Malley offers a unique perspective on humility, describing it as “Humility is pride in God.” This thought-provoking idea encourages us to see humility not as self-deprecation but as an acknowledgment of our connection to something greater than ourselves.

Embracing Greatness

Nicholai Velimirovic’s quote, “Be humble, for the worst thing in the world is of the same stuff as you; be confident, for the stars are of the same stuff as you,” beautifully juxtaposes humility and confidence. It reminds us that embracing humility does not diminish our worth but rather connects us to the vastness of the universe.

Humility in Religious Institutions

George Bernard Shaw humorously notes, “The churches must learn humility as well as teach it.” This quote serves as a reminder that humility should be practiced within religious institutions, just as it is preached.

Balancing Honor and Humility

Dwight David Eisenhower’s quote, “Humility must always be the portion of any man who receives acclaim earned in the blood of his followers and the sacrifices of his friends,” reflects on the balance between honor and humility. It underscores the responsibility that comes with recognition.

Humility and Personality

Fran Lebowitz offers a humorous perspective on humility and personality, stating, “Humility is no substitute for a good personality.” This witty remark reminds us that while humility is important, it should not replace genuine character and interpersonal skills.

The Paradox of Self-Improvement

Ted Turner playfully suggests, “If I had any humility, I would be perfect.” This humorous quote highlights the paradox of self-improvement: the more we strive for humility, the more we realize its depth and complexity.

Embracing Humility

In conclusion, humility is a multifaceted virtue that has been celebrated, dissected, and often humorously explored by philosophers, theologians, and thinkers throughout history. Whether viewed as a spiritual foundation, a source of strength, or a tool for self-improvement, humility continues to be a vital aspect of the human experience. As we navigate life’s challenges and triumphs, let us remember the wisdom contained in these quotes and strive to embrace humility as a guiding principle. Through humility, we can learn, grow, and build meaningful connections with others.