Humility is a virtue that is enjoined upon us. So far as…
““Humility is a virtue that is enjoined upon us. So far as the artist is concerned, with good reason; indeed, when he compares what he has done with what he wanted to do, when he compares his disappointing efforts with the great masterpieces of the world, he finds it the easiest of virtues to practice. Unless he is humble he cannot hope to improve. Self-satisfaction is fatal to him. The strange thing is that we are embarrassed by humility in others. We are ill at ease when they humble themselves before us. I don't know why this should be unless it is that there is something servile in it which offends our sense of human dignity. When I was engaging two coloured maids to look after me the overseer of the plantation who produced them, as a final recommendation, said: 'They're good niggers, they're humble.' Sometimes when one of them hides her face with her fingers to speak to me or with a little nervous giggle asks if she can have something I've thrown away, I'm inclined to cry: 'For heaven's sake don't be so humble.' Or is it that humility in others forces upon us the consciousness of our own unworthiness?””
About This Quote
This interpretation was drafted with AI assistance. It is one reading of the quote, not the author's own explanation.
Humility is essential for artistic growth; without it, self‑satisfaction blocks progress and makes us uneasy about others' modesty.
In simple terms: Humility helps artists improve and makes us uncomfortable when others are modest.
Key Takeaway
Embrace humility to grow creatively.
Themes
art
humility
self‑criticism
growth
dignity
Mood
reflective
introspective
Type
philosophical
literary
When to use this quote
- artist self‑evaluation
- teaching
- leadership
- personal development
Key Concepts
ego
self‑awareness
social perception
Questions to Reflect On
- How does humility affect your creative process?
- When do you feel threatened by another's modesty?
A Different Perspective
Humility can be misread as weakness, causing social friction.