Believe Quote by Teresa of Avila
“I say the same of humility and of all the virtues; the wiles of the devil are terrible, he will run a thousand times round hell if by so doing he can make us believe that we have a single virtue which we have not. And he is right, for such ideas are very harmful, and such imaginary virtues, when they come from this source, are never unaccompanied by vainglory; just as those which God gives are free both from this and from pride.”
About This Quote
Source Spiritual writing: "The Interior Castle" by Teresa of Avila, 1577
Humility is essential; false virtues arise from pride and vanity, leading to spiritual danger.
In simple terms: True humility avoids pride and false virtues.
Key Takeaway
Cultivate genuine humility.
Themes
humility
pride
spiritual integrity
Mood
reflective
serious
Type
philosophical
spiritual
When to use this quote
- personal spiritual practice
- ethical decision‑making
- leadership development
Key Concepts
theology
psychology of virtue
Questions to Reflect On
- What virtues do you claim but feel insecure about?
- How can you discern genuine humility?
A Different Perspective
True humility can be hard to recognize in oneself.
![“My dear Watson," said [Sherlock Holmes], "I cannot agree with those who rank modesty among the virtues. To the logician all things should be seen exactly as they are, and to underestimate one's self is as much a departure from truth as to exaggerate one's own powers.” quote by Arthur Conan Doyle](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/img-quotes/2a2/arthur-conan-doyle-273_agree_my-dear-watson-said-sherlock-holmes-i-ca_760560.jpg)
