We explain what humility is, its origins, and the characteristics of humble people. We also explain humility as a virtue.
What is humility?
Humility is a human quality that consists of recognizing one’s own limitations and acting with modesty, without seeking to impose oneself or excel over others. It involves valuing one’s own abilities as well as those of others, and maintaining an attitude of respect. Therefore, it is one of the most important virtues for community life.
A humble person does not seek to display their achievements for recognition. It is not a passive or submissive attitude, but rather a matter of orienting one’s actions toward the common good and acting with rectitude and without selfishness.
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In competitive and materialistic societies, humility is a rare quality, but essential for coexistence.
KEY POINTS
- Humility is the quality of recognizing one’s own limitations and acting with modesty and respect toward others.
- Humble people recognize their strengths and weaknesses, admit their mistakes, value the achievements of others, and prioritize the collective well-being.
- As a virtue, humility fosters cooperation, solidarity, and harmonious relationships.
Origin and evolution of the concept of humility
The word “humility” comes from the Latin humilitas, derived from humus, meaning “earth.” Originally, it was associated with the lowly and earthly.
In classical antiquity, humility was not considered a moral virtue, but rather associated with defeat or subordination. Instead, personal excellence and honor were valued.
The positive view of humility began in the Hebrew tradition, where it was understood as the recognition of human smallness before God. It later developed in various religious and philosophical contexts.
With Christianity, this idea was consolidated as a fundamental value. Some of Jesus’ actions, such as washing his disciples’ feet or accepting the cross without losing his dignity, transformed humility into a symbol of inner strength and service.
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Characteristics of Humble People
Humble people typically have the following characteristics:
- They honestly acknowledge their strengths and weaknesses.
- They admit their mistakes and know how to ask for forgiveness.
- They value the achievements of others without feeling envious or threatened.
- They maintain a humble demeanor and avoid boasting about their successes.
- They prioritize the collective well-being even over personal gain.
- They share their knowledge with others.
- They are grateful for the help they receive.
Humility as a Virtue
Humility is the foundation of many other virtues, such as generosity, solidarity, and commitment. It is the opposite of arrogance and is associated with simplicity and nobility. While arrogant people act out of self-interest, humble people act guided by respect and care for others.
Furthermore, humility fosters more peaceful and lasting relationships, as it encourages fair and empathetic treatment. Although it is often believed to limit leadership, it is now recognized that humble leaders generate more trust and better results by valuing and motivating their team.
However, humility can also present challenges. An excessive willingness to prioritize others can lead to neglecting one’s own needs and cause emotional exhaustion or stress. Being humble also involves recognizing one’s own limits and knowing when one needs help.
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References
All the information we offer is supported by authoritative and up-to-date bibliographic sources, which ensure reliable content in line with our editorial principles.
- Oliva Gallardo, J. J. (2006-2007). Humility, term, concept, and medieval representation. Acta Historica et Archaeologica Mediaevalia, (27-28), pp. 265-298. https://raco.cat
- Royal Spanish Academy. (2024). Humility. Dictionary of the Spanish Language. https://dle.rae.es
- Ungvarsky, J. (2024). Humility. EBSCO Research Starters. https://www.ebsco.com
