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Best 23 C.S. Lewis Humility Quotes
C.S. Lewis, the renowned British writer and theologian, is widely celebrated for his profound insights into the human condition and the Christian faith. Among his many notable ideas, Lewis had a deep understanding of the virtue of humility. In this article, we will explore 23 of his best humility quotes, each offering a valuable perspective on this essential characteristic.
1. “Humility is not thinking less of yourself; it is thinking of yourself less.”
This quote encapsulates Lewis’s perspective on humility, emphasizing that it is not about diminishing one’s self-worth but rather shifting the focus away from oneself.
2. “True humility is not thinking less of yourself; it is thinking of yourself less.”
Similar to the previous quote, Lewis emphasizes that humility is about redirecting one’s attention towards others instead of constantly dwelling on oneself.
3. “Humility is not so much about thinking less of yourself as it is about thinking of yourself less.”
This quote further reinforces the idea that humility is not about self-deprecation but rather a redirection of focus towards the needs and concerns of others.
4. “Pride gets no pleasure out of having something, only out of having more of it than the next person.”
Lewis highlights that pride finds its satisfaction in comparison and superiority, whereas humility finds contentment in simply having and appreciating what one possesses.
5. “As long as you are proud, you cannot know God. A proud man is always looking down on things and people; and, of course, as long as you are looking down, you cannot see something that is above you.”
Lewis suggests that pride creates a barrier between oneself and a deeper understanding of spirituality, as it blinds one to the transcendent and divine.
6. “A proud man is always looking down on things and people; and, of course, as long as you are looking down, you cannot see something that is above you.”
Expanding on the previous quote, Lewis emphasizes that pride’s preoccupation with superiority prevents one from recognizing higher truths and perspectives.
7. “If anyone would like to acquire humility, I can, I think, tell him the first step. The first step is to realize that one is proud. And a biggish step, too. At least, nothing whatever can be done before it. If you think you are not conceited, it means you are very conceited indeed.”
This quote highlights the importance of self-awareness and acknowledging one’s own pride as the initial step towards cultivating humility.
8. “The truest and most horrible claim made for modern transport is that it ‘annihilates space.’ It does. It annihilates one of the most glorious gifts we have been given. It is a vile inflation which lowers the value of distance, so that a modern boy travels a hundred miles with less sense of liberation and pilgrimage and adventure than his grandfather got from traveling ten.”
Here, Lewis demonstrates humility by expressing concern over the diminishing appreciation of the wonders of travel in the modern age, recognizing the value of the past and the experiences it offered.
9. “Don’t imagine that if you meet a really humble man he will be what most people call ‘humble’ nowadays: he will not be a sort of greasy, smarmy person, who is always telling you that, of course, he is nobody.”
Lewis challenges the modern interpretation of humility as mere self-deprecation and highlights the true essence of humility as a virtue that transcends outward appearances.
10. “The humblest tasks get beautified if loving hands do them.”
This quote emphasizes that even the simplest and seemingly insignificant tasks can be elevated through the presence of love and humility.
11. “The great thing, if one can, is to stop regarding all the unpleasant things as interruptions of one’s ‘own,’ or ‘real’ life. The truth is, of course, that what one calls the interruptions are precisely one’s real life—the life God is sending one day by day.”
Lewis challenges the notion that inconveniences or difficulties are interruptions to our “real” lives, emphasizing that they are, in fact, part of the greater narrative crafted by God.
12. “When you are talking about something noble like unselfishness, then you must say something bad about something in your own soul.”
Lewis reminds us that true humility requires a sincere examination of our own flaws, acknowledging that unselfishness often necessitates recognizing the darker aspects of our own souls.
13. “A proud man is always looking down on things and people; and, of course, as long as you are looking down, you cannot see something that is above you.”
This quote reiterates Lewis’s point that pride blinds us to higher truths and prevents us from recognizing the presence of something greater than ourselves.
14. “If we find ourselves with a desire that nothing in this world can satisfy, the most probable explanation is that we were made for another world.”
Lewis suggests that an insatiable longing within us points to the reality of a higher existence, encouraging humility by reminding us that we are part of something greater than our earthly experience.
15. “There are no ordinary people. You have never met a mere mortal.”
This quote challenges the idea that anyone is insignificant or ordinary, emphasizing that each person possesses inherent value and significance.
16. “To be humble is to be realistic.”
Lewis reminds us that humility is grounded in a realistic understanding of our strengths, weaknesses, and place in the world.
17. “Do not imagine that if you meet a really humble man he will be what most people call ‘humble’ nowadays: he will not be a sort of greasy, smarmy person, who is always telling you that, of course, he is nobody.”
This quote rejects the misconception that humility is synonymous with low self-esteem or self-deprecation, emphasizing that true humility does not seek attention or affirmation.
18. “Humility is not thinking less of yourself, but thinking of yourself less.”
In this concise quote, Lewis encapsulates the essence of humility, emphasizing that it is not about diminishing oneself but rather shifting the focus away from self-centered thoughts.
19. “The first step towards humility is to realize that one is proud.”
Here, Lewis highlights the importance of self-awareness and recognition of pride as the initial step towards cultivating humility.
20. “A proud man is always looking down on things and people; and, of course, as long as you are looking down, you cannot see something that is above you.”
Lewis reiterates the danger of pride, emphasizing that it blinds us from recognizing higher truths and perspectives.
21. “True humility is not thinking less of yourself; it is thinking of yourself less.”
This quote reinforces the idea that humility is not about self-deprecation, but rather redirecting our attention and thoughts away from ourselves.
22. “Humility is not so much about thinking less of yourself as it is about thinking of yourself less.”
Similar to the previous quote, Lewis highlights that humility is not about diminishing oneself, but rather shifting our focus away from self-centered thoughts.
23. “As long as you are proud, you cannot know God. A proud man is always looking down on things and people; and, of course, as long as you are looking down, you cannot see something that is above you.”
Lewis emphasizes the connection between humility and spirituality, pointing out that pride hinders our ability to truly know and experience God.
FAQs about C.S. Lewis Humility Quotes:
Q: How did C.S. Lewis define humility?
A: C.S. Lewis defined humility as not thinking less of oneself but rather thinking of oneself less. He emphasized that humility is not a form of self-deprecation but a shift in focus away from oneself.
Q: Why is humility important?
A: Humility is important because it enables us to recognize our limitations, appreciate the value of others, and foster healthier relationships. It also helps us develop a more accurate understanding of ourselves and our place in the world.
Q: How can one cultivate humility?
A: According to C.S. Lewis, the first step towards cultivating humility is recognizing one’s own pride. Self-awareness and a willingness to examine one’s flaws and limitations are crucial in developing humility. Additionally, shifting our focus away from ourselves and towards the needs and concerns of others is essential.
Q: Is humility the same as low self-esteem?
A: No, humility and low self-esteem are not the same. While low self-esteem involves a negative perception of oneself, humility involves a realistic understanding of one’s strengths and weaknesses without seeking excessive attention or affirmation.
Q: How does pride hinder spirituality?
A: According to C.S. Lewis, pride hinders spirituality by blinding individuals to higher truths and perspectives. Pride creates a barrier between oneself and a deeper understanding of God, as it keeps one preoccupied with one’s superiority and prevents the recognition of something greater than oneself.
In conclusion, C.S. Lewis’s insights into humility offer valuable guidance for individuals seeking to cultivate this virtue. From his emphasis on shifting focus away from oneself to his warnings about the dangers of pride, Lewis’s wisdom encourages us to develop a realistic understanding of ourselves, appreciate the value of others, and pursue a deeper spiritual connection. By heeding these teachings, we can embark on a journey towards greater humility and personal growth.
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