Humility: The most important consequence of religion

[Quintessence]

Religion is about many things, but it is especially about navigating relationships between the self and others. Those others might be humans, they might be non-humans, or they might be gods. In all cases, the way we approach these relationships in our religions can act as a very important counterbalance for what psychologists view as as an inherent default for human behavior: self-centeredness. As Professor Wright remarks:

"We each stand at the center of our own thoughts, feelings and needs, and thus experience them in a way that we cannot experience the thoughts, feelings and needs of others."​

Professor Wright decided to study the virtue of humility for her research. And while she doesn't explicitly mention the role of religion in cultivating this virtue, some of her words will echo with familiarity to those of us with a deep religious practice:

"Humility reduces the immediacy of your own feelings, needs and goals, creating space for the importance of others’ to enter in. It quiets the “centeredness” enough for you to better experience your interdependency and connection to others. We all bring parts of the puzzle of human experience to the table. We all have something to offer."​

When the religious contemplate their gods and acknowledge a power greater than themselves, this instills a sense of smallness and humility. When the religious acknowledge the power of our communities, both human and non-human, in supporting civilization as we know it, we also find humility. Practices like mindfulness and meditation pull us out of our ego-centered default state and into something more transcendent and sublime to see the greater whole. Celebrating sacred holy days with family and friends connects us together to something bigger. There are many other examples of religious practices and ideas that in effect take us out of ego-centeredness, draw us into something greater, and instill humility.

What do you think about the virtue of humility? Do you agree with Professor Wright that humility is the most important virtue of them all? How does your religious practice and beliefs instill a sense of humility?

Source: Humility is the foundation to a virtuous life

 

[Left Coast]

Religion is about many things, but it is especially about navigating relationships between the self and others. Those others might be humans, they might be non-humans, or they might be gods. In all cases, the way we approach these relationships in our religions can act as a very important counterbalance for what psychologists view as as an inherent default for human behavior: self-centeredness. As Professor Wright remarks:

"We each stand at the center of our own thoughts, feelings and needs, and thus experience them in a way that we cannot experience the thoughts, feelings and needs of others."​

Professor Wright decided to study the virtue of humility for her research. And while she doesn't explicitly mention the role of religion in cultivating this virtue, some of her words will echo with familiarity to those of us with a deep religious practice:

"Humility reduces the immediacy of your own feelings, needs and goals, creating space for the importance of others’ to enter in. It quiets the “centeredness” enough for you to better experience your interdependency and connection to others. We all bring parts of the puzzle of human experience to the table. We all have something to offer."​

When the religious contemplate their gods and acknowledge a power greater than themselves, this instills a sense of smallness and humility. When the religious acknowledge the power of our communities, both human and non-human, in supporting civilization as we know it, we also find humility. Practices like mindfulness and meditation pull us out of our ego-centered default state and into something more transcendent and sublime to see the greater whole. Celebrating sacred holy days with family and friends connects us together to something bigger. There are many other examples of religious practices and ideas that in effect take us out of ego-centeredness, draw us into something greater, and instill humility.

What do you think about the virtue of humility? Do you agree with Professor Wright that humility is the most important virtue of them all? How does your religious practice and beliefs instill a sense of humility?

Source: Humility is the foundation to a virtuous life

In the Christian tradition, pride has long been considered the "greatest" sin. In Dante's Purgatorio, it is the final vice of which souls are purified. And its antidote, as you might expect, is humility.

It's a virtue I struggle to develop, for sure. But I find that prayer and meditation helps, when I let go.

 

[ADigitalArtist]

Been exploring Taoism for a couple years now but far more seriously the last few months. The biggest way the need for humility impacts my practice, I think, is figuring out the whole 'effortless action' part of Wu Wei. There's a lot of checking in with yourself and your surroundings to see if you're investing a lot of energy into something where additional struggle won't benefit. Understanding and accepting your limitations so you can put that energy into something where change is not only easier but natural.

Basically letting go of a lot of white knuckled grips, which I think is humbling as well as terrifying and vulnerable.

 

[Revoltingest]

What do you think about the virtue of humility?

I find it to be inherent in the person,
& fully independent upon their having
a religion or not.

Do you agree with Professor Wright that humility is the most important virtue of them all?

That all depends....
Is humility the source of respecting
the rights & autonomy of others?
If so, I'd agree.

 

[1137]

I have noticed a correlation between people who see themselves as humble, and see humility as a great virtue deserving of respect.

"Upon the road of my life, Passed me many fair creatures, Clothed all in white, and radiant. To one, finally, I made speech: "Who art thou?" But she, like the others, Kept cowled her face, And answered in haste, anxiously, "I am good deed, forsooth; You have often seen me." "Not uncowled," I made reply. And with rash and strong hand, Though she resisted, I drew away the veil And gazed at the features of vanity. She, shamefaced, went on; And after I had mused a time, I said of myself, "Fool!"
- Stephen Crane

 

[Shadow Wolf]

What do you think about the virtue of humility?

Over rated.

 

[Shadow Wolf]

I find it to be inherent in the person,
& fully independent upon their having
a religion or not.


That all depends....
Is humility the source of respecting
the rights & autonomy of others?
If so, I'd agree.

I go about being secure and proud enough to not feel threatened by others having equal standing. That sort of inequality and feeling threatened is for the gods and priests who curse the Towers of Human Achievement and deride them as "playing god."

 

[ADigitalArtist]

Over rated.

I think the expectation of humility by others is often two faced. Not always, but like screw Mother Theresa's idea of humility and the virtue of selfless long suffering to an unhealthy, almost perverse extent.

Humility shouldn't be about the total denial of self and ego for the benefit of others, any more than it should be about putting your own ideas of freedom amd agency above the health of others. Neither one of those extremes are sustainable.

 

[Whateverist]

Religion is about many things, but it is especially about navigating relationships between the self and others. Those others might be humans, they might be non-humans, or they might be gods. In all cases, the way we approach these relationships in our religions can act as a very important counterbalance for what psychologists view as as an inherent default for human behavior: self-centeredness. As Professor Wright remarks:

"We each stand at the center of our own thoughts, feelings and needs, and thus experience them in a way that we cannot experience the thoughts, feelings and needs of others."​

Professor Wright decided to study the virtue of humility for her research. And while she doesn't explicitly mention the role of religion in cultivating this virtue, some of her words will echo with familiarity to those of us with a deep religious practice:

"Humility reduces the immediacy of your own feelings, needs and goals, creating space for the importance of others’ to enter in. It quiets the “centeredness” enough for you to better experience your interdependency and connection to others. We all bring parts of the puzzle of human experience to the table. We all have something to offer."​

When the religious contemplate their gods and acknowledge a power greater than themselves, this instills a sense of smallness and humility. When the religious acknowledge the power of our communities, both human and non-human, in supporting civilization as we know it, we also find humility. Practices like mindfulness and meditation pull us out of our ego-centered default state and into something more transcendent and sublime to see the greater whole. Celebrating sacred holy days with family and friends connects us together to something bigger. There are many other examples of religious practices and ideas that in effect take us out of ego-centeredness, draw us into something greater, and instill humility.

What do you think about the virtue of humility? Do you agree with Professor Wright that humility is the most important virtue of them all? How does your religious practice and beliefs instill a sense of humility?

Source: Humility is the foundation to a virtuous life

It is a good litmus test.

 

[Shadow Wolf]

I think the expectation of humility by others is often two faced. Not always, but like screw Mother Theresa's idea of humility and the virtue of selfless long suffering to an unhealthy, almost perverse extent.

Humility shouldn't be about the total denial of self and ego for the benefit of others, any more than it should be about putting your own ideas of freedom amd agency above the health of others. Neither one of those extremes are sustainable.

The last of what you mention I consider arrogance. Healthy pride is above such things, and is itself widely liked to follow those who radiate confidence and speak of achievements with a history if results, even if the social expectation is to favor humility.

 

[ADigitalArtist]

The last of what you mention I consider arrogance. Healthy pride is above such things, and is itself widely liked to follow those who radiate confidence and speak of achievements with a history if results, even if the social expectation is to favor humility.

I agree.

 

[Brickjectivity]

@Quintessence I think the article is convincing and that humility is a worthy attainment. I think there is a caveat. From my own experience: we can be self deceived. We can believe ourselves to be humble but not be. We can think we are humble when we actually are not, and I think this is an easy flaw to pick up in childhood but can happen at any age. We aren't as easily self deceived about forgiveness which can lead to or become part of humility. We know when we are angry, feel hurt or insulted. For that reason I believe that forgiveness is the more urgent virtue even if it is not greater. There are a lot of violent people who consider themselves to be humble. We forgive ourselves and others, and we can seek the greater virtue of humility. In addition many of us are either biologically or psychologically challenged in this area, so humility can be a fruit that is too high to reach.

 

[Quintessence]

Been exploring Taoism for a couple years now but far more seriously the last few months. The biggest way the need for humility impacts my practice, I think, is figuring out the whole 'effortless action' part of Wu Wei. There's a lot of checking in with yourself and your surroundings to see if you're investing a lot of energy into something where additional struggle won't benefit. Understanding and accepting your limitations so you can put that energy into something where change is not only easier but natural.

Basically letting go of a lot of white knuckled grips, which I think is humbling as well as terrifying and vulnerable.

This is something I find really interesting, because accepting and acknowledging limits is almost anathema to the norms of mainstream culture in the United States. There's a near constant push to compare yourself to others, to compete with others, to outdo others whether it is for one's own gain or in the name of "progress" or "innovation." Folks make themselves miserable by participating in this rat race and coupled with the fact that hard work doesn't necessarily pay off these days? It's no wonder that this country is having a major mental health crisis.

There's some interesting crossover with Taoism and contemporary Druidry, or at least the tradition I belong to. There are many teachings about cultivating the flow of Awen, a flow of creative inspiration, and it is something that has a bit of a life of its own. Anyone who has practiced the creative arts knows this - if the inspiration is not flowing in a particular direction, your writing is poor, your paintings dull, and it is better to flow with the current of inspiration (Awen) than against it. Something about that kind of surrender makes us deeply uncomfortable and afraid in this country, like we are "supposed to" always be in control, in command, with no limits. But then there's that moment of humble acknowledgement that things will flow as they must, and trusting yourself to navigate that river's course.

 

[Quintessence]

I have noticed a correlation between people who see themselves as humble, and see humility as a great virtue deserving of respect.

I'm not sure if we can know whether or not this researcher considers themselves humble, but this would be something of interest to investigate. In general, it is probably often true that the virtues we hold are those which we respect. The warrior respects ruthlessness on the field of battle, but not the peacemaker.

 

[Quintessence]

Over rated.

In what ways do you feel humility is overrated? Who is it being overrated by (psychologists, someone else?) and to what potential ends?

 

[Mock Turtle]

Speaking as Professor Wrong, I hope I have a modicum of humility, and is why I am agnostic rather than being a plain atheist. And perhaps why I simply cannot accept the writings in old religious texts so as such to dictate my life - how would I choose? The same goes for things like attitudes to others and discrimination that might occur - given that I am not them and often will not be able to place myself in their positions - so the default is to treat them the same until perhaps there is such evidence so as not to do so. I don't believe in false humility, but I vastly prefer humility to the arrogance so many display, and where much often simply comes down to refusing to be honest, or to listen, or to learn.

PS And I don't think humility necessarily comes from religions - quite the opposite in fact.

 

[Aupmanyav]

Humility is a good quality depending on what you have before you. Should we be humble when faced with crime?

 

[Rachel Rugelach]

Rabbi Jonathan Sacks (1948-2020), who served as the U.K.'s Chief Rabbi and was knighted by Queen Elizabeth, once defined humility based on his meeting with Rabbi Menachem Mendel Schneerson (1902-1994), spiritual leader of the Lubavitch Hasidic dynasty and the Chabad movement.

One needs to understand that the spiritual leaders of the various dynastic branches in Hasidism are treated as royalty by their congregants, and Rabbi Schneerson (affectionately called "the Rebbe"), was no exception in the way that his many admirers around the world still hold him in high esteem even now many years since his passing.

Rabbi Sacks described the Rebbe as having been one of the most humble people he had ever met, saying: "There was nothing self-abasing about him. He carried himself with quiet dignity. He was self-confident and had an almost regal bearing. But when you were alone with him, he made you feel you were the most important person in the room. It was an extraordinary gift. It was royalty without a crown. It was greatness in plain clothes."

Based on the Rebbe's sincere and attentive interest in all his many visitors, Rabbi Sacks (whose own humility was truly noteworthy) said that he learned the following: "Humility is not thinking you are small. It is thinking that other people have greatness within them."

 

[Quagmire]

My feeling: you'll never be able to see the world clearly until you've had a good look at yourself, and you're never going to be able to take a good honest look at yourself until you realize that what you see there isn't going to matter all that much one way are the other.

That in my opinion is Humility: I may not have a whole lot of it mysrlf, but I managed to come up with a great definition for it anyway.

(In my humble opinion)

 

[Quagmire]

Humility is a good quality depending on what you have before you. Should we be humble when faced with crime?

It can help. If your approach to something like this is less "Why is this happening to me" and more, "Better me than someone who might be less capable of coming through it okay" it might help take the edge off.