--- title: "Meaning & Key Takeaway of: No structure of virtue can possibly be…" description: "\"No structure of virtue can possibly be raised in our soul unless, first, the foundations of true humility are laid in our heart.\" — John Cassian" image: "https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/e4d/john-cassian-13822_character_no-structure-of-virtue-can-possibly-be-r_2508251.png" --- # No structure of virtue can possibly be raised in our soul… ![“No structure of virtue can possibly be raised in our soul unless, first, the foundations of true humility are laid in our heart.” quote by John Cassian](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/e4d/john-cassian-13822_character_no-structure-of-virtue-can-possibly-be-r_2508251.png) [Download](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/e4d/john-cassian-13822_character_no-structure-of-virtue-can-possibly-be-r_2508251.png) [Open image](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/e4d/john-cassian-13822_character_no-structure-of-virtue-can-possibly-be-r_2508251.png) > “No structure of virtue can possibly be raised in our soul unless, first, the foundations of true humility are laid in our heart.” [John Cassian](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/john-cassian/) ## About This Quote This interpretation was drafted with AI assistance. It is one reading of the quote, not the author's own explanation. True virtue grows only when the heart first embraces humility, forming a solid base for moral development. **In simple terms:** Virtue needs humility first. Key Takeaway Cultivate humility before seeking virtue. Themes humility virtue spiritual growth Mood contemplative inspirational Type philosophical spiritual When to use this quote - personal reflection - spiritual practice - leadership development Key Concepts theology ethical formation Questions to Reflect On - How can you practice humility daily? - What habits support humble growth? A Different Perspective Humility alone may not guarantee virtue without continued effort. ★ ★ ★ ★ ★ No ratings yet [Character](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/character/) [Firsts](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/firsts/) [Foundation](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/foundation/) [Heart](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/heart/) [Humility](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/humility/) [Raised](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/raised/) [Soul](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/soul/) [Spirituality](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/spirituality/) [Structure](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/structure/) [Structure Virtue](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/structure-virtue-1130542/) [True humility](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/true-humility/) [Virtue](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/virtue/) [Virtue Possibly](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/virtue-possibly-1130541/) ## Related quotes > [...just as the edifice of all the virtues strives upward toward perfect prayer so will all these virtues be neither sturdy nor enduring unless…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/john-cassian/just-as-the-edifice-of-all-the-virtues-strives-upward-toward-perfect/) [John Cassian](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/john-cassian/) > [Great question in science - questions like the ones Herschel raised about the structure of the universe - are seldom answered by ivory-tower types…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/james-trefil/great-question-in-science-questions-like-the-ones-herschel-raised/) [James Trefil](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/james-trefil/) > [I was raised playing music in coffeehouses and I feel that was the foundation for my career. I think it is important that we…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/jason-mraz/i-was-raised-playing-music-in-coffeehouses-and-i-feel-that-was-the/) [Jason Mraz](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/jason-mraz/) > [Perhaps the seeds of false-refinement, immorality, and vanity, have ever been shed by the great. Weak, artificial beings, raised above the common wants and…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/mary-wollstonecraft/perhaps-the-seeds-of-false-refinement-immorality-and-vanity-have-ever/) [Mary Wollstonecraft](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/mary-wollstonecraft/) > [Our reverence for the nobility of manhood will not be lessened by the knowledge that man is in substance and in structure, one with…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/thomas-huxley/our-reverence-for-the-nobility-of-manhood-will-not-be-lessened-by-the/) [Thomas Huxley](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/thomas-huxley/) > [The system of patriarchy is a historic construct; it has a beginning; it will have an end. Its time seems to have nearly run…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/gerda-lerner/the-system-of-patriarchy-is-a-historic-construct-it-has-a-beginning/) [Gerda Lerner](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/gerda-lerner/) > [The structure of human betterment cannot be built upon foundations of materialism or business, but upon the bedrock of individual character in free men…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/herbert-hoover/the-structure-of-human-betterment-cannot-be-built-upon-foundations-of/) [Herbert Hoover](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/herbert-hoover/) > [Once you come up with a premise, you have to work out how it all happened. It's a bit like coming up with a…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/linwood-barclay/once-you-come-up-with-a-premise-you-have-to-work-out-how-it-all/) [Linwood Barclay](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/linwood-barclay/) > [In studying language we can discover many basic properties of this cognitive structure, its organization, and also the genetic predispositions that provide the foundation…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/noam-chomsky/in-studying-language-we-can-discover-many-basic-properties-of-this/) [Noam Chomsky](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/noam-chomsky/) > [True humility is absolute obedience and dependence on God. It puts Him first, others second, and ourselves third in all things.](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/john-bevere/true-humility-is-absolute-obedience-and-dependence-on-god-it-puts-him/) [John Bevere](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/john-bevere/) > [“Against Hume, Kant has found a more proper ground for humility: “True humility follows unavoidably from our sincere and exact comparison of ourselves with…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/jeanine-grenberg/against-hume-kant-has-found-a-more-proper-ground-for-humility-true/) [Jeanine Grenberg](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/jeanine-grenberg/) > [What honor can there be without humility? What heights can be reached without being low? The pieces of a chariot are useless unless the…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/laozi/what-honor-can-there-be-without-humility-what-heights-can-be-reached/) [Laozi](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/laozi/) > [Self-centeredness brings misery,A proud heart bring much pain; But those with true humility Have lasting peace to gain.](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/anonymous/self-centeredness-brings-misery-a-proud-heart-bring-much-pain-but/) [Anonymous](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/anonymous/) > [It is almost impossible to overestimate the value of true humility and its power in the spiritual life. For the beginning of humility is…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/thomas-merton/it-is-almost-impossible-to-overestimate-the-value-of-true-humility/) [Thomas Merton](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/thomas-merton/) > [“True humility is fearless honesty.”](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/lailah-gifty-akita/true-humility-is-fearless-honesty/) [Lailah Gifty Akita](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/lailah-gifty-akita/) ## More by John Cassian > [...just as the edifice of all the virtues strives upward toward perfect prayer so will all these virtues be neither sturdy nor enduring unless…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/john-cassian/just-as-the-edifice-of-all-the-virtues-strives-upward-toward-perfect/) [John Cassian](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/john-cassian/) > [ ...the souls of the dead \[are\] not deprived of their intellectual faculties but... they also are not lacking in feelings such as hope and… ](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/john-cassian/the-souls-of-the-dead-are-not-deprived-of-their-intellectual/) [John Cassian](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/john-cassian/) > [...we should realize that there are three sources for our thoughts - God, the devil, and ourselves.](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/john-cassian/we-should-realize-that-there-are-three-sources-for-our-thoughts-god/) [John Cassian](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/john-cassian/) > [In proportion as the ardor of divine love brings you nearer to God, so will a larger concourse of saintly brethren flock to you.…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/john-cassian/in-proportion-as-the-ardor-of-divine-love-brings-you-nearer-to-god-so/) [John Cassian](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/john-cassian/) > [Everything we do, our every objective, must be undertaken for the sake of... purity of heart... we must practice the reading of the Scripture,…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/john-cassian/everything-we-do-our-every-objective-must-be-undertaken-for-the-sake/) [John Cassian](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/john-cassian/) > [When we say 'hallowed be Your name' to God what we are really saying is 'Father, make us such as deserve knowledge and understanding…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/john-cassian/when-we-say-hallowed-be-your-name-to-god-what-we-are-really-saying-is/) [John Cassian](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/john-cassian/) > [When the soul is solidly rooted in... peacefulness, when it is freed of the bonds of every carnal urge, when the unshaking thrust of…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/john-cassian/when-the-soul-is-solidly-rooted-in-peacefulness-when-it-is-freed-of/) [John Cassian](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/john-cassian/) > [We are often indifferent to our brethren who are distressed or upset, on the grounds that they are in this state through no fault…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/john-cassian/we-are-often-indifferent-to-our-brethren-who-are-distressed-or-upset/) [John Cassian](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/john-cassian/) > [The apostles were very sure that everything of theirs which had to do with salvation was a gift to them from God. 'Increase our…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/john-cassian/the-apostles-were-very-sure-that-everything-of-theirs-which-had-to-do/) [John Cassian](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/john-cassian/) > [...we must first scrutinize thoroughly anything appearing in our hearts or any saying suggested to us. Has it come purified from the divine and…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/john-cassian/we-must-first-scrutinize-thoroughly-anything-appearing-in-our-hearts/) [John Cassian](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/john-cassian/) > [“It is not an external enemy we dread. Our foe is shut up within ourselves. An internal warfare is daily waged by us.”](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/john-cassian/it-is-not-an-external-enemy-we-dread-our-foe-is-shut-up-within/) [John Cassian](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/john-cassian/) > [If you want to correct your brother when he is doing wrong? you must keep yourself calm; otherwise you yourself may catch the sickness…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/john-cassian/if-you-want-to-correct-your-brother-when-he-is-doing-wrong-you-must/) [John Cassian](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/john-cassian/) > [The thief who received the kingdom of heaven, though not as the reward of virtue, is a true witness to the fact that salvation…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/john-cassian/the-thief-who-received-the-kingdom-of-heaven-though-not-as-the-reward/) [John Cassian](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/john-cassian/) > [...whoever is guided solely by his own judgment and decision will never climb up to the summit of perfection and will not fail to…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/john-cassian/whoever-is-guided-solely-by-his-own-judgment-and-decision-will-never/) [John Cassian](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/john-cassian/) > [All of our holy fathers knew this and all with one accord teach that perfection in holiness can be achieved only through humility.](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/john-cassian/all-of-our-holy-fathers-knew-this-and-all-with-one-accord-teach-that/) [John Cassian](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/john-cassian/) [Explore all 49 John Cassian quotes ](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/john-cassian/) ## More Character quotes > [This may sound strange, but although I feel like I know everything about my characters, the brand of shampoo they use, how many cavities…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/gail-honeyman/this-may-sound-strange-but-although-i-feel-like-i-know-everything/) [Gail Honeyman](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/gail-honeyman/) > [I always like a character who makes me laugh.](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/rachael-stirling/i-always-like-a-character-who-makes-me-laugh/) [Rachael Stirling](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/rachael-stirling/) > [Social responsibility above the level of family, or at most of tribe, requires imagination-- devotion, loyalty, all the higher virtues -- which a man…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/robert-a-heinlein/social-responsibility-above-the-level-of-family-or-at-most-of-tribe/) [Robert A. Heinlein](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/robert-a-heinlein/) > [Reader, if you are gifted with nerves like mine, aspire to any character but that of a wit.](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/charles-lamb/reader-if-you-are-gifted-with-nerves-like-mine-aspire-to-any/) [Charles Lamb](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/charles-lamb/) > [I'm often moved by the circumstances around some of my characters, but I don't think I've actually cried watching myself.](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/kate-winslet/i-m-often-moved-by-the-circumstances-around-some-of-my-characters-but/) [Kate Winslet](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/kate-winslet/) > [When you're on a daytime drama you get one page, you better damn well know your character. You better know what she would do…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/david-hudgins/when-you-re-on-a-daytime-drama-you-get-one-page-you-better-damn-well/) [David Hudgins](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/david-hudgins/) > [It can sometimes make people fold into themselves and kind of run away, but I think in this case these characters are being forced…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/emily-deschanel/it-can-sometimes-make-people-fold-into-themselves-and-kind-of-run/) [Emily Deschanel](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/emily-deschanel/) > [If you are well-mannered towards those whose views are similar to yours, you may be said to exhibit a fairly good character. But, if…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/anonymous/if-you-are-well-mannered-towards-those-whose-views-are-similar-to/) [Anonymous](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/anonymous/) > [Democracy is based on the conviction that man has the moral and intellectual capacity, as well as the inalienable right, to govern himself with…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/harry-s-truman/democracy-is-based-on-the-conviction-that-man-has-the-moral-and/) [Harry S. Truman](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/harry-s-truman/) > [In the fight between biology and morality, biology has commonly won in the end.](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/semir-zeki/in-the-fight-between-biology-and-morality-biology-has-commonly-won-in/) [Semir Zeki](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/semir-zeki/) > [Your looks don't make you pretty, it's the person inside who makes you pretty!](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/aaron-chan/your-looks-don-t-make-you-pretty-it-s-the-person-inside-who-makes-you/) [Aaron Chan](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/aaron-chan/) > [I'm not a huge social media kind of guy, so I don't really know, I don't really ever get... at least in real life,…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/freddie-stroma/i-m-not-a-huge-social-media-kind-of-guy-so-i-don-t-really-know-i-don/) [Freddie Stroma](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/freddie-stroma/) > [If you stood me in a costume next to a computer graphic of the same-looking character, I think there would be a difference. And…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/warwick-davis/if-you-stood-me-in-a-costume-next-to-a-computer-graphic-of-the-same/) [Warwick Davis](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/warwick-davis/) > [Courage: the most important of all the virtues because without courage, you can't practice any other virtue consistently](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/maya-angelou/courage-the-most-important-of-all-the-virtues-because-without-courage/) [Maya Angelou](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/maya-angelou/) > [I'm a character actor - always have been, always will be - and historically, character actors don't come into their own until later in…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/annie-potts/i-m-a-character-actor-always-have-been-always-will-be-and/) [Annie Potts](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/annie-potts/) [Browse all 32,707 Character quotes ](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/character/) ```json { "@context": "https://schema.org", "@graph": [ { "@type": "Quotation", "text": "No structure of virtue can possibly be raised in our soul unless, first, the foundations of true humility are laid in our heart.", "creator": { "@type": "Person", "name": "John Cassian" }, "isPartOf": { "@id": "https://sms4smile.com/quotes/#website" }, "url": "https://sms4smile.com/quotes/john-cassian/no-structure-of-virtue-can-possibly-be-raised-in-our-soul-unless/", "about": { "@type": "Thing", "name": "Character" }, "@id": "https://sms4smile.com/quotes/john-cassian/no-structure-of-virtue-can-possibly-be-raised-in-our-soul-unless/#quotation", "image": { "@type": "ImageObject", "@id": "https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/e4d/john-cassian-13822_character_no-structure-of-virtue-can-possibly-be-r_2508251.png", "contentUrl": "https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/e4d/john-cassian-13822_character_no-structure-of-virtue-can-possibly-be-r_2508251.png", "url": "https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/e4d/john-cassian-13822_character_no-structure-of-virtue-can-possibly-be-r_2508251.png", "width": 1080, "height": 1080, "caption": "“No structure of virtue can possibly be raised in our soul unless, first, the foundations of true humility…” — John Cassian", "creditText": "SMS4Smile Quotes", "creator": { "@id": "https://sms4smile.com/quotes/#organization" } } }, { "@type": "BreadcrumbList", "itemListElement": [ { "@type": "ListItem", "position": 1, "name": "Home", "item": "https://sms4smile.com/" }, { "@type": "ListItem", "position": 2, "name": "Quotes", "item": "https://sms4smile.com/quotes/" }, { "@type": "ListItem", "position": 3, "name": "John Cassian", "item": "https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/john-cassian/" }, { "@type": "ListItem", "position": 4, "name": "No structure of virtue can possibly...", "item": "https://sms4smile.com/quotes/john-cassian/no-structure-of-virtue-can-possibly-be-raised-in-our-soul-unless/" } ], "@id": "https://sms4smile.com/quotes/john-cassian/no-structure-of-virtue-can-possibly-be-raised-in-our-soul-unless/#breadcrumb" }, { "@type": "WebSite", "@id": "https://sms4smile.com/quotes/#website", "name": "SMS4Smile Quotes", "url": "https://sms4smile.com/quotes/", "publisher": { "@id": "https://sms4smile.com/quotes/#organization" } }, { "@type": "Organization", "@id": "https://sms4smile.com/quotes/#organization", "name": "SMS4Smile Quotes", "url": "https://sms4smile.com/quotes/", "logo": { "@type": "ImageObject", "url": "https://sms4smile.com/quotes/wp-content/themes/sq/assets/icons/icon-512.png", "width": 512, "height": 512 } } ] } ```