Humility Quote by Joshua Loth Liebman
““Many people are miserable because they think that occasional destructive feelings necessarily make them terrible persons. But just as Aristotle maintained, “One swallow does not make a spring,” we must understand that one or two or even a dozen unadmirable traits does not make an unadmirable person. Long ago Edmund Burke warned humanity about the danger of false generalization in society; of judging a whole race by a few undesirable members. Today we should likewise become aware of the generalization about our individual personality. A splendid freedom awaits us when we realize that we need not feel like moral lepers or emotional pariahs because we have some aggressive, hostile feeling s towards ourselves and others. When we acknowledge these feelings we no longer have to pretend to be that which we are not. It is enough to be what we are! We discover that rigid pride is actually the supreme foe of inner victory, while flexible humility, the kind of humility that appears when we do not demand the impossible or the angelic of ourselves, is the great ally of psychic peace.””
About This Quote
Source Book: The Art of Being Human, Joshua Loth Liebman, 1950
People often judge themselves harshly for occasional negative emotions, but a few flaws don't define a whole character; recognizing this leads to self‑acceptance and inner peace.
In simple terms: A few bad traits don’t make you a bad person; accept yourself.
Accept imperfections, practice flexible humility.
Themes
Mood
Type
When to use this quote
- therapy sessions
- personal growth workshops
- journaling
- conflict resolution
- mindfulness practice
Key Concepts
Questions to Reflect On
- How can you differentiate fleeting feelings from lasting self‑identity?
- What practices help you cultivate flexible humility?
Overcomingcoming can be difficult and may require sustained effort and support.