Literary notes about humility (AI summary)
Literature employs the term humility in a wide spectrum of ways, ranging from an admirable moral quality to a tool for social critique and introspection. In some works, such as in Austen’s narrative [1] and Tolstoy’s reflections [2], humility disarms reproach and underscores a balanced character, while in writings by Augustine [3] and Dostoyevsky [4] it is portrayed as essential both for personal redemption and spiritual elevation. Philosophical discourses by thinkers like Hume [5, 6, 7, 8] probe its ambiguous rapport with pride, suggesting that acts of humble submission can sometimes mask deeper self-interest, whereas sacred texts [9, 10, 11, 12, 13] herald humility as a prerequisite for divine grace and wisdom. Even in the more satirical tones of Dickens [14, 15, 16, 17] and Blake [18], humility is presented with layers of irony and complexity, showcasing its enduring versatility as both a virtue and a narrative instrument.
- “Your humility, Mr. Bingley,” said Elizabeth, “must disarm reproof.”
— from Pride and Prejudice by Jane Austen - All the Masons sat down in their places, and one of them read an exhortation on the necessity of humility.
— from War and Peace by graf Leo Tolstoy - There is, therefore, something in humility which, strangely enough, exalts the heart, and something in pride which debases it.
— from The City of God, Volume II by Bishop of Hippo Saint Augustine - And I accept it all, not with contempt, but with humility.
— from Crime and Punishment by Fyodor Dostoyevsky - Again, pride and love are agreeable passions; hatred and humility uneasy.
— from A Treatise of Human Nature by David Hume - The transition from pride or humility to love or hatred is not so natural as from love or hatred to pride or humility.
— from A Treatise of Human Nature by David Hume - II OF PRIDE AND HUMILITY, THEIR OBJECTS AND CAUSES SECT.
— from A Treatise of Human Nature by David Hume - It is this conjunction, which chiefly distinguishes these affections from pride and humility.
— from A Treatise of Human Nature by David Hume - Galatians Chapter 6 He exhorts to charity, humility and all virtue.
— from The Bible, Douay-Rheims, Complete - And do you all insinuate humility one to another: for God resisteth the proud, but to the humble he giveth grace.
— from The Bible, Douay-Rheims, Complete - For thou hast regarded my humility, thou hast saved my soul out of distresses. 30:9.
— from The Bible, Douay-Rheims, Complete - Ecclesiasticus Chapter 11 Lessons of humility and moderation in all things. 11:1.
— from The Bible, Douay-Rheims, Complete - 1 Peter Chapter 5 He exhorts both priests and laity to their respective duties and recommends to all humility and watchfulness.
— from The Bible, Douay-Rheims, Complete - “I hope,” said Mr. Lorry, after another pause of feeble sympathy and humility, “that you accompany Miss Manette to France?”
— from A Tale of Two Cities by Charles Dickens - ‘Please, sir, I fell asleep over the fire,’ answered Smike, with humility.
— from Nicholas Nickleby by Charles Dickens - Yellow, meagre, ragged, scowling, wolfish; but prostrate, too, in their humility.
— from A Christmas Carol in Prose; Being a Ghost Story of Christmas by Charles Dickens - And his books, too! Nothing but a gentleman, Fagin!' 'Delighted to see you looking so well, my dear,' said the Jew, bowing with mock humility.
— from Oliver Twist by Charles Dickens - Now the sneaking serpent walks In mild humility; And the just man rages in the wilds Where lions roam.
— from The Marriage of Heaven and Hell by William Blake
