I think of Francis of Assisi when I think of the virtue of humility, sometimes to the point of what modern day viewers might see as self destruction. Perhaps this is why we are so fascinated with his story. I also think of the book, “The Way of the Pilgrim” with the repeating mantra “Lord Jesus Christ have mercy on me” (a poor miserable sinner). Which is demonstrated so beautifully and emotionally, musically in multiple languages, by Patrick Lenk, in the Jesus Prayer. We all kid ourselves by telling ourselves we already are humble. There are layers and levels of humility and we are blind to what remains in our pride. This idea needs serious investigation and contemplation. It is a quality that is intertwined with so many other aspects of ourselves… judging, self-worth issues, truth and honesty, attachments and letting go, self-protection, forgiveness, fears, unkindnesses, introversion, extroversion, toughness, rudeness, narcissism, arrogance, lack of empathy, self-righteousness, immorality, you-name-it.
“Pride makes us artificial and humility makes us real.” — Thomas Merton
“Humility is the solid foundation of all virtues.” — Confucius
“It was pride that changed angels into devils; it is humility that makes men as angels.” — Saint Augustine
Christianity teaches humility as a core virtue, modeled perfectly by Jesus Christ. In Philippians 2:5-8, Paul urges believers to adopt Christ’s mindset: though He was God, He “humbled himself” by becoming human and dying on the cross for humanity’s sins. This act shows humility as selflessness and obedience to God.Jesus taught, “Whoever humbles himself like this child is the greatest in the kingdom of heaven” (Matthew 18:4), and “The greatest among you shall be your servant” (Matthew 23:11). He washed His disciples’ feet (John 13), demonstrating that true greatness lies in serving others, not seeking status.
Humility also involves recognizing one’s dependence on God’s grace. James 4:6-10 says, “God opposes the proud but gives grace to the humble,” calling believers to submit to God, resist pride, and repent. Proverbs 11:2 echoes: “When pride comes, then comes disgrace, but with humility comes wisdom.”Ultimately, Christianity views humility as essential for salvation, healthy relationships, and spiritual growth—emptying oneself to be filled with God’s love and purpose.
The Buddhists say that conceit, or pride is one of the last fetters to be released before enlightenment. It is a clinging to self, an ongoing comparing oneself to others, and a solid embrace of duality. Humility, by contrast, opens the mind, allows growth, and supports the development of wisdom and loving-kindness. Humility aligns with modesty, contentment, and patience.
They point to three types of conceit:
- Thinking “I am better than others”
- Thinking “I am equal to others”
- Thinking “I am worse than others”
All three stem from clinging to a sense of self. True humility arises when we stop measuring ourselves against others altogether.
Pride, conceit, and arrogance are seen as subtle defilements that reinforce the illusion of a solid, separate “I.” They block learning, create suffering, and prevent genuine compassion. Humility, by contrast, opens the mind, allows growth, and supports the development of wisdom and loving-kindness.
The Upanishads teach humility indirectly through the path of knowledge—ego must dissolve for one to realize “Aham Brahmasmi” (I am Brahman). Pride keeps one trapped in duality and illusion (maya).
The Bhagavad Gita makes it more explicit and practical: humility is the first step in knowledge, a divine quality leading to liberation, and the mark of a realized sage who sees equality in all.
Both scriptures agree that true humility arises from understanding the impermanence of the body/mind and the eternity of the Self. It is not weakness but the highest strength—freeing one from comparison, desire for praise, and fear.
One Seeker's Story 