He that places himself neither higher nor lower than he ought to do exercises the truest humility.
—Charles Caleb Colton (c.1780–1832) English Clergyman, Aphorist
An arrogant tycoon once told his minister that there really was no need for him to pray ever again. After all, he had everything—he was young, rich, and good-looking.
After hearing this, the minister said, “Well, you might want to pray for humility.”
—Anonymous
I prefer to be a dreamer among the humblest, with visions to be realized, than lord among those without dreams and desires.
—Kahlil Gibran (1883–1931) Lebanese-American Philosopher, Poet, Sculptor
They are proud in humility, proud that they are not proud.
—Robert Burton (1577–1640) English Scholar, Clergyman
Humbleness is always grace; always dignity.
—James Russell Lowell (1819–91) American Poet, Critic
Those who honor themselves will be humbled, but people who are humble themselves will be honored.
—The Holy Bible Scripture in the Christian Faith
If you would have people speak well of you, then do not speak well of yourself.
—Blaise Pascal (1623–62) French Mathematician, Physicist, Theologian
Humanity cannot be degraded by humiliation. It is its very character to submit to such things. There is a con sanguinity between benevolence and humility. They are virtues of the same stock.
—Edmund Burke (1729–97) British Philosopher, Statesman
Knowledge, a rude unprofitable mass, the mere materials with which wisdom builds, till smoothed and squared and fitted to its place, does but encumber whom it seems to enrich. Knowledge is proud that he has learned so much; wisdom is humble that he knows no more.
—William Cowper (1731–1800) English Anglican Poet, Hymn writer
The sufficiency of my merit is to know that my merit is not sufficient.
—Augustine of Hippo (354–430) Roman-African Christian Philosopher
Humility makes great men twice honourable.
—Benjamin Franklin (1706–90) American Political Leader, Inventor, Diplomat
Believe me, the much-praised lambs of humility would not bear themselves so meekly if they but possessed tiger’s claws.
—Heinrich Heine (1797–1856) German Poet, Writer
Any party which takes credit for the rain must not be surprised if its opponents blame it for the drought.
—Dwight Morrow (1873–1931) American Businessman, Diplomat
Talent is God given. Be humble. Fame is man-given. Be grateful. Conceit is self-given. Be careful.
—John Wooden (1910–2010) American Basketball Coach, Educator
Humility is the genuine proof of Christian virtue.—Without it we keep all our defects; and they are only crusted over by pride, which conceals them from others, and often from ourselves.
—Francois de La Rochefoucauld (1613–80) French Writer
The more humble a man is before God, the more he will be exalted; the more humble he is before man, the more he will get rode roughshod.
—Josh Billings (Henry Wheeler Shaw) (1818–85) American Humorist, Author, Lecturer
One that does not think to highly of himself is more than he thinks.
—Johann Wolfgang von Goethe (1749–1832) German Poet
Fidelity to conscience is inconsistent with retiring modesty. If it be so, let the modesty succumb. It can be only a false modesty which can be thus endangered.
—Harriet Martineau (1802–76) English Sociologist, Economist, Philosopher, Essayist
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.
—Hebrew Proverb
Sense shines with a double lustre when it is set in humility. An able and yet humble man is a jewel worth a kingdom.
—William Penn (1644–1718) American Entrepreneur, Philosopher, Political Leader
No sex, age, or condition is above or below the absolute necessity of modesty; but without it one vastly beneath the rank of man.
—Bruce Fairchild Barton (1886–1967) American Author, Advertising Executive, Politician
Modesty is not only an ornament, but also a guard to virtue.
—Joseph Addison (1672–1719) English Essayist, Poet, Playwright, Politician
It is always the secure who are humble.
—G. K. Chesterton (1874–1936) English Journalist, Novelist, Essayist, Poet
Should you ask me, What is the first thing in religion?. I should reply, The first, second, and third thing therein—nay, all—is humility.
—Augustine of Hippo (354–430) Roman-African Christian Philosopher
The grace that makes every grace amiable is humility.
—Samuel Richardson (1689–1761) English Novelist, Printer, Publisher
He who speaks without modesty will find it difficult to make his words good.
—Confucius (551–479 BCE) Chinese Philosopher
He that humbleth himself wishes to be exalted.
—Friedrich Nietzsche (1844–1900) German Philosopher, Scholar, Writer
Modesty forbids what the law does not.
—Seneca the Younger (Lucius Annaeus Seneca) (c.4 BCE–65 CE) Roman Stoic Philosopher, Statesman, Tragedian
The superior man is distressed by the limitations of his ability; he is not distressed by the fact that men do not recognize the ability that he has.
—Confucius (551–479 BCE) Chinese Philosopher
Those who are believed to be most abject and humble are usually most ambitious and envious.
—Baruch Spinoza (1632–77) Dutch Philosopher, Theologian
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