Humility
Details and Description
Description
Humility is a virtue that can be difficult to describe because of its paradoxical nature: claiming authority about humility and claiming that one is humble both suggest a lack of humility. In Humility, Everett L.Worthington Jr. seeks a way around this paradox by looking to people who are considered by others to be humble. He suggests people as examples: Jesus, Siddhartha, Gandhi, Mother Teresa, and Martin Luther King Jr. He looks, too, at people whom he admires. He examines the characteristics of humility they share, and, in doing so, formulates a working understanding of humility.
Science has made few attempts to measure humility,Worthington points out, but those few studies do give a different, but complementary, perspective on humility than the wisdom of the ages. Humility may not be a skill we can learn, but people can be inspired to be humble. "Great people—and ordinary people acting nobly—can inspire us," Worthington writes. "When we catch the spirit, we can transfer that spirit from ourselves to others." Quotations interspersed throughout the book reinforce the message that the unassuming virtue of humility transforms lives.
"Of some thoughts one stands perplexed—especially at the sign of men's sin—and wonders whether one should use force or humble love. Always decide to use humble love. If you resolve on that, once and for all, you may subdue the whole world. Loving humility is marvelously strong, and strongest of all things, and there is nothing else like it. "—Fyodor Dostoyevsky
Table of Contents
Introduction / ix
Paradoxes and Potentials of Humility / 3
Heroes of Humility / 17
What Do These Heroes Have in Common? / 37
Can We Learn Humility? / 51
What Does Science Tell Us about Humility? / 79
The Spirit of Humility / 99
References / 107
Select Books about Humility / 109
About the Author / 111
Endorsements and Reviews
Reviews
Booklist—Spotlight on Religion
Psychologist Worthington offers an inspirational text for the practice of a virtue in peril of extinction that recognizes the paradox surrounding humility—to wit, if one says one is humble, it is unlikely that one actually is, because humility seldom speaks its name. Yet that paradox is why he assembled this little book. In addition to inspirational quotations, it contains what Worthington calls his Hall of Humility, the names and stories of those in whom he has witnessed great humility (including his mother-in-law); an inspection of how humility can be identified and practiced, and a less-close examination of scientific studies of the virtue. Humility, it seems, is dying as, more and more, we are exhorted to crassly advertise our talents. Against such injunction, Worthington points to the great satisfaction to be had in sacrificing oneself to a cause or another person, a satisfaction whose currency is being elected to someone else’s Hall of Humility—Donna Chavez.
Spirituality and Practice (spiritualityandpractice.com)
"Humility doesn’t shout its characteristics. It is the quiet virtue. We must approach it in reverence. Because it is quiet, we must listen, look, and feel to discern its character," writes Dr. Everett L. Worthington Jr., professor of psychology at Virginia Commonwealth University. He has dedicated his life to the study and teaching of how forgiveness and justice come together. In this enlightening paperback, he presents a thought-provoking and soul-stirring assessment of humility. He has sprinkled the text with quotations on this virtue. Here are a few to keep in mind and close to your heart:
Worthington sums up scientific research on humility and the difficulties faced in measuring it. He concludes: "Neither counseling professionals, medical professionals, nor scientists can define universally acceptable steps to humility and happiness. Nor can they show us the skill set that makes up a humble behavioral repertoire." Those interested in nurturing this virtue can turn to a wide range of spiritual teachers, past and present, for guidance, counsel, and wisdom on becoming a humble person.
Rutherford Institute—Oldspeak Online Journal
Although Worthington roots his discussion of humility in the teachings of Christianity, various religions—such as Islam, Buddhism and Taoism—focus on the virtue, tying together people of all walks of life and religious backgrounds. Everett L. Worthington’s book creates a universal, unending cycle of humility and inspiration, one which begins with those who read his work, and quietly pervades the lives of individuals in every strata of American society. As American poet T.S. Eliot once wrote, "The only wisdom we can hope to acquire is the wisdom of humility: humility is endless."
Highly recommended.
Catholic Library World—Vol. 79, No. 2
[T]his little book is rather accessible and readable for the average population.
References, a bibliography, and a short biographical sketch of Worthington complete the book which, like all Templeton Foundation Press publications, is very attractively produced. The book could inspire and fortify life choices in which the practice of humility is important. It is recommended for parish libraries. —Arnold Rzepecki
Translations
Spanish
Spanish (LA)