Literary notes about humble (AI summary)
The term "humble" in literature serves as a versatile descriptor that conveys modest origins, respectful deference, and a genuine lack of pretense. It is often employed to highlight a lowly social status or background that is transformed into a marker of honor and virtue, as seen when a modest profession elevates one's standing [1, 2, 3]. At other times, it expresses a tone of respectful submission or sincere loyalty in correspondence and character portrayals [4, 5, 6]. The word also carries a spiritual dimension, urging self-abasement before a higher power or in the context of moral reflection [7, 8, 9]. Overall, its usage captures a wide range of sentiments—from the inherent dignity of simplicity to the quietly noble character of those who embrace their unpretentious state [10, 11, 12].
- This word, so humble in its origin, has, by a singular fortune, risen into the title of the first great office of state in the monarchies of Europe.
— from The History of the Decline and Fall of the Roman Empire by Edward Gibbon - Fortune and merit had, from an humble station, elevated him to the first place among mankind.
— from The History of the Decline and Fall of the Roman Empire by Edward Gibbon - From an humble origin, the Ottomans arose, the scourge and terror of Christendom.
— from The History of the Decline and Fall of the Roman Empire by Edward Gibbon - I have the honour to be, My Lord, Your Lordship's most obedient, and most devoted, and most humble servant, Tristram Shandy.' H2 anchor Chapter 1.IX.
— from The Life and Opinions of Tristram Shandy, Gentleman by Laurence Sterne - Believe me to be, Reverend, and very dear Sir, Your most faithful humble Servant.
— from Ivanhoe: A Romance by Walter Scott - I am, my dear, your most humble servant, 'May 10, 1784.
— from Boswell's Life of Johnson by James Boswell - He shall judge the poor of the people, and he shall save the children of the poor: and he shall humble the oppressor.
— from The Bible, Douay-Rheims, Complete - Humble thyself to God, and wait for his hands.
— from The Bible, Douay-Rheims, Complete - There shall appear the fruit of obedience, the labour of repentance shall rejoice, and humble subjection shall be crowned gloriously.
— from The Imitation of Christ by à Kempis Thomas - But his thoughts were just, his brains were fairly good, his life was honest and pure, and his heart warm and humble.
— from Vanity Fair by William Makepeace Thackeray - Though raised to that height of regal power, wonderful to relate, he was always humble, kind, and generous to the poor and to strangers.
— from Bede's Ecclesiastical History of England by Saint the Venerable Bede - He is described as a most humble and loving Christian man by Dr. Saphir and others who knew him.
— from Some Jewish Witnesses For Christ by Aaron Bernstein