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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].
  1. 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
  2. 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
  3. 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
  4. 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
  5. Believe me to be, Reverend, and very dear Sir, Your most faithful humble Servant.
    — from Ivanhoe: A Romance by Walter Scott
  6. I am, my dear, your most humble servant, 'May 10, 1784.
    — from Boswell's Life of Johnson by James Boswell
  7. 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
  8. Humble thyself to God, and wait for his hands.
    — from The Bible, Douay-Rheims, Complete
  9. 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
  10. 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
  11. 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
  12. 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

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