--- title: "Meaning & Key Takeaway of: A sincere acquaintance with ourselves…" description: "\"A sincere acquaintance with ourselves teaches us humility; and from humility springs that benevolence which compassionates the transgressors we condemn..." image: "https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/894/jane-porter-9947_acquaintance_a-sincere-acquaintance-with-ourselves-te_1352608.jpg" --- # A sincere acquaintance with ourselves teaches us humility… ![“A sincere acquaintance with ourselves teaches us humility; and from humility springs that benevolence which compassionates the transgressors we condemn, and prevents the punishments we inflict from themselves partaking of crime, in being rather the wreakings of revenge than the chastisements of…” quote by Jane Porter](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/894/jane-porter-9947_acquaintance_a-sincere-acquaintance-with-ourselves-te_1352608.jpg) [Download](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/894/jane-porter-9947_acquaintance_a-sincere-acquaintance-with-ourselves-te_1352608.jpg) [Open image](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/894/jane-porter-9947_acquaintance_a-sincere-acquaintance-with-ourselves-te_1352608.jpg) > “A sincere acquaintance with ourselves teaches us humility; and from humility springs that benevolence which compassionates the transgressors we condemn, and prevents the punishments we inflict from themselves partaking of crime, in being rather the wreakings of revenge than the chastisements of virtue.” [Jane Porter](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/jane-porter/) ## About This Quote This interpretation was drafted with AI assistance. It is one reading of the quote, not the author's own explanation. Understanding ourselves fosters humility, which leads to benevolence and reduces vengeful punishment of others. **In simple terms:** Self‑knowledge creates humility and kindness. Key Takeaway Cultivate self‑awareness to act compassionately. Themes humility compassion self‑knowledge justice Mood reflective thoughtful Type philosophical ethical When to use this quote - personal growth - conflict resolution - community building Key Concepts psychology ethics virtue Questions to Reflect On - How does humility affect your daily interactions? - Can compassion replace punishment? A Different Perspective Humility alone may not change systemic injustices. ★ ★ ★ ★ ★ No ratings yet [Acquaintance](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/acquaintance/) [Benevolence](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/benevolence/) [Character](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/character/) [Chastisement](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/chastisement/) [Crime](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/crime/) [Humility](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/humility/) [Kindness](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/kindness/) [Punishment](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/punishment/) [Revenge](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/revenge/) [Sincere](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/sincere/) [Spring](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/spring/) [Virtue](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/virtue/) ## Related quotes > [Uncertainty is a sign of humility, and humility is just the ability or the willingness to learn.](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/charlie-sheen/uncertainty-is-a-sign-of-humility-and-humility-is-just-the-ability-or/) [Charlie Sheen](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/charlie-sheen/) > [Every good thing in the Christian life grows in the soil of humility. Without humility, every virtue and every grace withers. Thats why Calvin…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/john-piper/every-good-thing-in-the-christian-life-grows-in-the-soil-of-humility/) [John Piper](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/john-piper/) > [The way to Christ is first through humility, second through humility, and third through humility. If humility does not precede and accompany and follow…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/saint-augustine/the-way-to-christ-is-first-through-humility-second-through-humility/) [Saint Augustine](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/saint-augustine/) > [Marriage requires the giving and keeping of confidences, the sharing of thoughts and feelings, respect and understanding always, marriage requires humility - the humility…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/richard-l-evans/marriage-requires-the-giving-and-keeping-of-confidences-the-sharing/) [Richard L. Evans](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/richard-l-evans/) > [“Gratitude is the heart of humility, and humility is the path to peace, love, and understanding.”](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/justin-young/gratitude-is-the-heart-of-humility-and-humility-is-the-path-to-peace/) [Justin Young](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/justin-young/) > [“And according to what we have of God will be our real humility, because humility is nothing but the disappearance of self in the…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/andrew-murray/and-according-to-what-we-have-of-god-will-be-our-real-humility/) [Andrew Murray](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/andrew-murray/) > [For there is no obedience without humility, nor humility without charity.](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/st-catherine-of-siena/for-there-is-no-obedience-without-humility-nor-humility-without/) [St. Catherine of Siena](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/st-catherine-of-siena/) > [The first test of a truly great man is his humility. 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Humility, in business and in life, is a powerful asset and does not denote lowliness, unimportance, or self-deprecation.”](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/richie-norton/there-is-power-born-of-humility-humility-in-business-and-in-life-is-a/) [Richie Norton](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/richie-norton/) > [“God, help me to tell the thruth to the strong and to avoid telling lies to get the weak's applause. If you give me…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/mahatma-gandhi/god-help-me-to-tell-the-thruth-to-the-strong-and-to-avoid-telling/) [Mahatma Gandhi](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/mahatma-gandhi/) > [Humility, humility, humility, and humility.](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/peter-kreeft/humility-humility-humility-and-humility/) [Peter Kreeft](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/peter-kreeft/) > [“Be careful not to mistake insecurity and inadequacy for humility! Humility has nothing to do with the insecure and inadequate! Just like arrogance has…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/c-joybell-c/be-careful-not-to-mistake-insecurity-and-inadequacy-for-humility/) [C. JoyBell C](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/c-joybell-c/) > [I begin with humility, I act with humility, I end with humility. Humility leads to clarity. Humility leads to an open mind and a…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/eric-greitens/i-begin-with-humility-i-act-with-humility-i-end-with-humility/) [Eric Greitens](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/eric-greitens/) ## More by Jane Porter > [none are fit judges of greatness but those who are capable of it.](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/jane-porter/none-are-fit-judges-of-greatness-but-those-who-are-capable-of-it/) [Jane Porter](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/jane-porter/) > [It is not designed that the road should be made too smooth for us here upon earth.](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/jane-porter/it-is-not-designed-that-the-road-should-be-made-too-smooth-for-us/) [Jane Porter](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/jane-porter/) > [Yet happiness isn't something you chase, it's something you are. It's something you think, it's something you believe.](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/jane-porter/yet-happiness-isn-t-something-you-chase-it-s-something-you-are-it-s/) [Jane Porter](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/jane-porter/) > [Guilt is a spiritual Rubicon.](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/jane-porter/guilt-is-a-spiritual-rubicon/) [Jane Porter](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/jane-porter/) > [The mob is a sort of bear; while your ring is through its nose, it will even dance under your cudgel; but should the…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/jane-porter/the-mob-is-a-sort-of-bear-while-your-ring-is-through-its-nose-it-will/) [Jane Porter](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/jane-porter/) > [Goodness is equally hateful to the wicked, as vice is to the virtuous.](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/jane-porter/goodness-is-equally-hateful-to-the-wicked-as-vice-is-to-the-virtuous/) [Jane Porter](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/jane-porter/) > [I never yet heard man or woman much abused that I was not inclined to think the better of them, and to transfer the…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/jane-porter/i-never-yet-heard-man-or-woman-much-abused-that-i-was-not-inclined-to/) [Jane Porter](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/jane-porter/) > [Imparting knowledge is only lighting other men's candles at our lamp without depriving ourselves of any flame.](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/jane-porter/imparting-knowledge-is-only-lighting-other-men-s-candles-at-our-lamp/) [Jane Porter](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/jane-porter/) > [Happiness is a sunbeam which may pass through a thousand bosoms without losing a particle of its original ray; nay, when it strikes on…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/jane-porter/happiness-is-a-sunbeam-which-may-pass-through-a-thousand-bosoms/) [Jane Porter](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/jane-porter/) > [It has been wisely said, "that well may thy guardian angel suffer thee to lose thy locks, when thou darest wilfully to lay thy…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/jane-porter/it-has-been-wisely-said-that-well-may-thy-guardian-angel-suffer-thee/) [Jane Porter](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/jane-porter/) > [“Don’t. Don’t say you’ve changed your mind. You promised me!”](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/jane-porter/don-t-don-t-say-you-ve-changed-your-mind-you-promised-me/) [Jane Porter](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/jane-porter/) > [“God forgive her, but underneath the smiles and the good job and the great family, she was tired. Desperately tired. Tired to the point…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/jane-porter/god-forgive-her-but-underneath-the-smiles-and-the-good-job-and-the/) [Jane Porter](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/jane-porter/) > [How different is the ready hand, tearful eye, and soothing voice, from the ostentatious appearance which is called pity.](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/jane-porter/how-different-is-the-ready-hand-tearful-eye-and-soothing-voice-from/) [Jane Porter](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/jane-porter/) > [The flatterer easily insinuates himself into the closet, while honest merit stands shivering in the hall or antechamber.](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/jane-porter/the-flatterer-easily-insinuates-himself-into-the-closet-while-honest/) [Jane Porter](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/jane-porter/) > [Where there is any good disposition, confidence begets faithfulness; but distrust, if it do not produce treachery; never fails to destroy every inclination to…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/jane-porter/where-there-is-any-good-disposition-confidence-begets-faithfulness/) [Jane Porter](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/jane-porter/) [Explore all 69 Jane Porter quotes ](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/jane-porter/) ## More Acquaintance quotes > [Distrust all those who love you extremely upon a very slight acquaintance and without any visible reason.](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/anonymous/distrust-all-those-who-love-you-extremely-upon-a-very-slight/) [Anonymous](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/anonymous/) > [Be much alone with God, and take time to get thoroughly acquainted. Converse over everything with Him. Unburden yourself wholly -every thought, feeling, wish,…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/horatius-bonar/be-much-alone-with-god-and-take-time-to-get-thoroughly-acquainted/) [Horatius Bonar](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/horatius-bonar/) > [The study of history and philosophy, accompanied by some acquaintance with art and literature, should be for lawyers and engineers as well as for…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/terry-eagleton/the-study-of-history-and-philosophy-accompanied-by-some-acquaintance/) [Terry Eagleton](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/terry-eagleton/) > [The love of new acquaintance comes not so much from being weary of what we had before, or from any satisfaction there is in…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/francois-de-la-rochefoucauld/the-love-of-new-acquaintance-comes-not-so-much-from-being-weary-of/) [Francois de La Rochefoucauld](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/francois-de-la-rochefoucauld/) > [One frequently only finds out how really beautiful a women is, until after considerable acquaintance with her.](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/mark-twain/one-frequently-only-finds-out-how-really-beautiful-a-women-is-until/) [Mark Twain](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/mark-twain/) > [“I'd rather be a nodding acquaintance, than a bobble head”](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/josh-stern/i-d-rather-be-a-nodding-acquaintance-than-a-bobble-head/) [Josh Stern](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/josh-stern/) > [In addition to my other numerous acquaintances, I have one more intimate confidant… My depression is the most faithful mistress I have known —…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/soren-kierkegaard/in-addition-to-my-other-numerous-acquaintances-i-have-one-more/) [Soren Kierkegaard](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/soren-kierkegaard/) > [God is a spirit. Jesus was led up of the Spirit to be tempted of the Devil; and it is also true that spirits…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/charles-bradlaugh/god-is-a-spirit-jesus-was-led-up-of-the-spirit-to-be-tempted-of-the/) [Charles Bradlaugh](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/charles-bradlaugh/) > [ \[On an anarchist acquaintance:\] Everything in appearance the most alarmist aunt could wish. ](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/sylvia-townsend-warner/on-an-anarchist-acquaintance-everything-in-appearance-the-most/) [Sylvia Townsend Warner](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/sylvia-townsend-warner/) > [There is no such thing as educational value in the abstract. The notion that some subjects and methods and that acquaintance with certain facts…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/john-dewey/there-is-no-such-thing-as-educational-value-in-the-abstract-the/) [John Dewey](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/john-dewey/) > [ \[Books\] will visit you at your convenience, whether you are lonesome or not, on rainy days or fair. They propose themselves as either transient… ](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/clifton-fadiman/books-will-visit-you-at-your-convenience-whether-you-are-lonesome-or/) [Clifton Fadiman](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/clifton-fadiman/) > [I'm not dating Prateik; he is just a good acquaintance.](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/amyra-dastur/i-m-not-dating-prateik-he-is-just-a-good-acquaintance/) [Amyra Dastur](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/amyra-dastur/) > [Moderation is the inseparable companion of wisdom, but with it genius has not even a nodding acquaintance.](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/charles-caleb-colton/moderation-is-the-inseparable-companion-of-wisdom-but-with-it-genius/) [Charles Caleb Colton](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/charles-caleb-colton/) > [The greatest embarrassment of my political career has been that active duties seem to deprive me of time for careful investigation. 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