Humility
Humility is the quality of being humble.[1] Dictionary definitions accentuate humility as low self-regard and sense of unworthiness.[2] In a religious context, humility can mean a recognition of self in relation to a deity (i.e. God), and subsequent submission to that deity as a member of that religion.[3][4] Outside of a religious context, humility is defined as being "unselved"—liberated from consciousness of self—a form of temperance that is neither having pride (or haughtiness) nor indulging in self-deprecation.[5]
For the medieval saint, see Saint Humility. For the passenger on the Mayflower, see Humility Cooper. For the Gorillaz song, see Humility (song).
Humility is an appropriate inner, or self regard, and is contrasted with humiliation, which is an imposition, often external, of shame upon a person. Humility may be misappropriated as ability to suffer humiliation through self-denigration. This misconception arises from the confusion of humility with traits like submissiveness and meekness. Such misinterpretations prioritize self-preservation and self-aggrandizement over true humility, which emphasizes a diminished emphasis on the self.[6]
In many religious and philosophical traditions, humility is regarded as a virtue that prioritizes social harmony. It strikes a balance between two sets of qualities. This equilibrium lies in having a reduced focus on oneself, which leads to lower self-importance and diminished arrogance, while also possessing the ability to demonstrate strength, assertiveness, and courage. This virtue is exhibited in the pursuit of upholding social harmony, recognizing our human dependence on it. It contrasts with maliciousness, hubris, and other negative forms of pride, and is an idealistic and rare intrinsic construct that has an extrinsic side.
Term[edit]
The term "humility" comes from the Latin word humilitas, a noun related to the adjective humilis, which may be translated as "humble", but also as "grounded", or "from the earth", since it derives from humus (earth). See the English humus.[7]
The word "humble" may be related to feudal England where the least-valuable cuts of meat, or "umbles"[8] (whatever was left over when the upper classes had taken their parts), were provided to the lowest class of citizen.
Humility and leadership[edit]
Research suggests that humility is a quality of certain types of leaders. For example, Jim Collins and his colleagues found that a certain type of leader, whom they term "level 5", possesses humility and fierce resolve.[54] Humility is studied as a trait that can enhance leadership effectiveness. The research suggests that humility is multi-dimensional and includes self-understanding and awareness, openness, and perspective taking.[55]
This article incorporates text from a publication now in the public domain: Herbermann, Charles, ed. (1913). "Humility". Catholic Encyclopedia. New York: Robert Appleton Company.