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
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
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
Humility is indeed beatness, a compulsory virtue that no one exhibits unless he has to.
—William S. Burroughs (1914–97) American Novelist, Poet, Short Story Writer, Painter
Almost any difficulty will move in the face of honesty. When I am honest I never feel stupid. And when I am honest I am automatically humble.
—Hugh Prather (b.1938) American Christian Author, Minister, Counselor
What kills a skunk is the publicity it gives itself.
—Abraham Lincoln (1809–65) American Head of State
Modesty is the lowest of the virtues, and is a real confession of the deficiency it indicates. He who undervalues himself is justly undervalued by others.
—William Hazlitt (1778–1830) English Essayist
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
I have often wished I had time to cultivate modesty. But I am too busy thinking about myself.
—Edith Sitwell (1887–1964) English Poet, Critic
So rare is the union of beauty with modesty.
—Juvenal (c.60–c.136 CE) Roman Poet
The grace that makes every grace amiable is humility.
—Samuel Richardson (1689–1761) English Novelist, Printer, Publisher
Modesty forbids what the law does not.
—Seneca the Younger (Lucius Annaeus Seneca) (c.4 BCE–65 CE) Roman Stoic Philosopher, Statesman, Tragedian
It is the witness still of excellence to put a strange face on its own perfection.
—William Shakespeare (1564–1616) British Playwright
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
Don’t be so humble, you’re not that great.
—Golda Meir (1898–1978) Israeli Head of State
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 (1813–87) American Clergyman, Writer
Talking much about oneself can also be a means to conceal oneself.
—Friedrich Nietzsche (1844–1900) German Philosopher, Scholar, Writer
It was pride that changed angels into devils; it is humility that makes men as angels.
—Augustine of Hippo (354–430) Roman-African Christian Philosopher
After crosses and losses, men grow humbler and wiser.
—Benjamin Franklin (1706–90) American Political Leader, Inventor, Diplomat
The first test of a truly great man is his humility. By humility I don’t mean doubt of his powers or hesitation in speaking his opinion, but merely an understanding of the relationship of what he can say and what he can do.
—John Ruskin (1819–1900) English Writer, Art Critic
The doctrines of grace humble man without degrading, and exalt without inflating him.
—Charles Hodge (1797–1878) American Biblical Scholar
He that humbleth himself wishes to be exalted.
—Friedrich Nietzsche (1844–1900) German Philosopher, Scholar, Writer
I don’t like to write like God. It is only because you never do it, though, that the critics think you can’t do it.
—Ernest Hemingway (1899–1961) American Author, Journalist, Short Story 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
Nothing is more humiliating than to see idiots succeed in enterprises we have failed in.
—Gustave Flaubert (1821–80) French Novelist, Playwright, Short Story Writer
Rather be thou the tail among lions than the head among foxes.
—The Talmud Sacred Text of the Jewish Faith
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 D. Eisenhower (1890–1969) American Head of State, Military Leader
Act as though you cannot fail but keep a humble spirit.
—Unknown
No truly great person ever thought themselves so.
—William Hazlitt (1778–1830) English Essayist
Too many people overvalue what they are not and undervalue what they are.
—Malcolm S. Forbes (1919–1990) American Publisher, Businessperson
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