Modest humility is beauty’s crown.
—Friedrich Schiller (1759–1805) German Poet, Dramatist
He was like a cock who thought the sun had risen to hear him crow.
—George Eliot (Mary Anne Evans) (1819–80) English Novelist
For the most part, I do the thing which my own nature prompts me to do. It is embarrassing to earn so much respect and love for it.
—Albert Einstein (1879–1955) German-born Physicist
Be plain in dress, and sober in your diet; In short, my dear, kiss me and be quiet.
—Lady Mary Wortley Montagu (1689–1762) English Aristocrat, Poet, Novelist, Writer
He is a modest little man who has a good deal to be modest about.
—Winston Churchill (1874–1965) British Head of State, Political leader, Historian, Journalist, Author
Usually the modest person passes for someone reserved, the silent for a sullen person
—Horace (Quintus Horatius Flaccus) (65–8 BCE) Roman Poet
Humility is the solid foundation of all the virtues.
—Confucius (551–479 BCE) Chinese Philosopher
In peace there’s nothing so becomes a man as modest stillness and humility.
—William Shakespeare (1564–1616) British Playwright
Humility makes great men twice honourable.
—Benjamin Franklin (1706–90) American Political Leader, Inventor, Diplomat
One of the first businesses of a sensible man is to know when he is beaten, and to leave off fighting at once.
—Samuel Butler
The saint that wears heaven’s brightest crown in deepest adoration bends; the weight of glory bows him down the most when most his soul ascends; nearest the throne itself must be the footstool of humility.
—James Montgomery (1771–1854) Scottish Poet, Journalist, Hymnist
I have often wished I had time to cultivate modesty. But I am too busy thinking about myself.
—Edith Sitwell (1887–1964) British Poet, Literary Critic
Don’t be so humble, you’re not that great.
—Golda Meir (1898–1978) Israeli Head of State
True humility—the basis of the Christian system—is the low but deep and firm foundation of all virtues.
—Edmund Burke (1729–97) British Philosopher, Statesman
I have sounded the very base-string of humility.
—William Shakespeare (1564–1616) British Playwright
Even if you be otherwise perfect, you fail without humility.
—The Talmud Sacred Text of the Jewish Faith
Those who honor themselves will be humbled, but people who are humble themselves will be honored.
—The Holy Bible Scripture in the Christian Faith
Modesty is the color of virtue.
—Diogenes Laertius (f.3rd Century CE) Biographer of the Greek Philosophers
No modest man ever did or ever will make a fortune.
—Lady Mary Wortley Montagu (1689–1762) English Aristocrat, Poet, Novelist, Writer
Something in human nature causes us to start slacking off at our moment of greatest accomplishment. As you become successful, you will need a great deal of self-discipline not to lose your sense of balance, humility, and commitment.
—Ross Perot (1930–2019) American Businessman
Nothing is more intolerable than to have to admit to yourself your own errors.
—Ludwig van Beethoven (1770–1827) German Composer, Musician
With people with only modest ability, modesty is mere honesty; but with those who possess great talent, it is hypocrisy.
—Arthur Schopenhauer (1788–1860) German Philosopher
You shouldn’t gloat about anything you’ve done; you ought to keep going and find something better to do.
—David Packard (1912–96) American Businessperson, Philanthropist, Inventor
Humility is the root, mother, nurse, foundation, and bond of all virtue.
—John Chrysostom (c.347–407 CE) Archbishop of Constantinople
Humility, like darkness, reveals the heavenly lights.
—Henry David Thoreau (1817–62) American Philosopher
Life is a long lesson in humility.
—J. M. Barrie (1860–1937) Scottish Novelist, Dramatist
Swallow your pride occasionally, it’s non-fattening.
—Unknown
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
With all humility, I think, “Whatsoever thy hand findeth to do, do it with thy might.” Infinitely more important than the vain attempt to love one’s neighbor as one’s self. If you want to hit a bird on the wing, you must have all your will in focus, you must not be thinking about yourself, and equally, you must not be thinking about your neighbor: you must be living in your eye on that bird. Every achievement is a bird on the wing.
—Oliver Wendell Holmes, Jr. (1841–1935) American Jurist, Author
Nobody stands taller than those willing to stand corrected.
—William Safire (1929–2009) American Columnist, Journalist, Author, Speechwriter
Leave a Reply