quotations about humility
That which humbles us is always for our good.
J. H. EVANS
attributed, Day's Collacon
What the world needs is more geniuses with humility. There are so few of us left.
OSCAR LEVANT
attributed, The Educator's Book of Quotes
Nothing is more deceitful than the appearance of humility. It is often only carelessness of opinion, and sometimes an indirect boast.
JANE AUSTEN
Pride and Prejudice
Real excellence and humility are not incompatible one with the other, on the contrary they are twin sisters.
HENRI-DOMINIQUE LACORDAIRE
Letters to Young Men
True humility is the certain mark of a bright reason, and elevated soul, as being the natural consequence of them. When we come to have our minds cleared by reason from those thick mists that our disorderly passions cast about them; when we come to discern more perfectly, and consider more nearly, the immense power and goodness, the infinite glory and duration of God; and, to make a comparison between these perfections of his, and our own frailty and weakness, and the shortness and uncertainty of our beings, we should humble ourselves even unto the dust before him.
WELLINS CALCOTT
Thoughts Moral and Divine
Humility, that low, sweet root
From which all heavenly virtues shoot.
THOMAS MOORE
The Loves of the Angels
Humility, like darkness, reveals the heavenly lights.
HENRY DAVID THOREAU
Walden
Humility is not thinking meanly of yourself; it is simply not thinking of yourself at all.
WARREN W. WIERSBE
The Bible Exposition Commentary
If you see any thing in yourself which may make you proud, look a little further, and you will find enough to make you humble.
WELLINS CALCOTT
Thoughts Moral and Divine
The saints in every age have gloried in thee, as a most distinguishing ingredient in their character; and according to their eminency, has been their measure of humility. The high and lofty One, who inhabits eternity, and will not give his glory to another, when from his high and holy place he views men and their works, he turns away disdainful from the pompous palaces of mighty kings, the courts of popes and sultans, and throws a favorable glance toward the humble cottage of him in whose heart thou dwellest.
WILLIAM MCEWEN
"On Humility", Select Essays Doctrinal & Practical on a Variety of the Most Important and Interesting Subjects in Divinity
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.
AUGUSTINE OF HIPPO
attributed, Christian Spirit
Humility is the scent of God purifying His world of the stench of pride.
JANICE T. CONNELL
The Visions of the Children
I must reduce myself to zero. So long as a man does not of his own free will put himself last among his fellow creatures, there is no salvation for him.
MAHATMA GANDHI
An Autobiography
Poverty is a noose that strangles humility and breeds disrespect for God and man.
NATIVE AMERICAN PROVERB
The artist alone among men knows what true humility means. His reach forever exceeds his grasp. He can never be satisfied with his work. He knows when he has done well, but he knows he has never attained his dream. He knows he never can.
RHETA CHILDE DORR
A Woman of Fifty
Humility is also a healing virtue; it will cicatrize a
thousand wounds, which pride would keep forever open.
WASHINGTON ALLSTON
Lectures on Art and Poems
Humility with energy is often mistaken for pride.
JOHANN KASPAR LAVATER
Aphorisms on Man
But above all, to recommend thy heavenly charms, the Son of God disdained not the form of a servant, the humble manger, the ignominious cross, the gloomy sepulchre. O let not man be proud, when God was so humble! Begone from my heart, all self-elating thoughts; hence my ambitious desires. But come holy humility, with all thy amiable train, and fix thy residence in my soul; predominate in my affections. Holy Spirit, make all her enemies her footstool; and teach me to despise myself, except on account of my rational and immortal nature, to spurn under my feet all vain glory, and to pursue the honor that cometh from God only.
WILLIAM MCEWEN
"On Humility", Select Essays Doctrinal & Practical on a Variety of the Most Important and Interesting Subjects in Divinity
How happy in his low degree,
How rich in humble poverty, is he,
Who leads a quiet country life;
Discharged of business, void of strife.
JOHN DRYDEN
Imitation of Horace
God hath sworn to lift on high
Who sinks himself by true humility.
JOHN KEBLE
"At Hooker's Tomb"