Virtue of the Week focuses on building peaceful and caring communities through understanding and fostering the practice of virtues. The Source supports the Virtues Project and will publish one virtue developed by the project each week.
Humility
Humility is being modest, humble and unpretentious. We consider others’ views and needs as important as our own. We willingly serve others and accept help when we need it. When we cause hurt, we have the humility to admit it and make amends. We accept the lessons life brings, knowing that mistakes are often our best teachers. Humility is not humiliation. We do not shame ourselves or others with the illusion that we are meant to be perfect. We give our very best, and trust that it is enough. Humility reminds us to be thankful for our successes rather than boastful.
Quote: “I long to accomplish great and noble tasks, but it is my chief duty to accomplish humble tasks as though they were great and noble.” — Helen Keller
Quote: “Humility is not thinking less of yourself; it’s thinking of yourself less.” — C.S. Lewis
The Practice of Humility
I value others’ thoughts and feelings.
I am willing to give and receive help.
I am a work in progress. I modestly admit mistakes and learn from them.
I am resilient, not perfect.
I am grateful for my gifts.
I am thankful for the gift of Humility. It is my greatest teacher.
- What do we need to give our very best to our social justice work?
- How do we celebrate mistakes as teachable moments in our community?
- How are others’ views and ideas considered in our community?
- Is there any support we have been unwilling to accept? Why? What would it look like if we accepted it?
Virtues Matter was started by a passionate wife-husband team of social entrepreneurs seeking to positively uplift as many lives as possible. We aim to inspire and empower, to build capacity, strengthen relationships, and help everyone lead lives of passion and purpose.
Virtues Matter believes in a world where people are committed to kindness and respect, strive to be their best, and live with hope, courage, and in unity. We built the Virtues Cards mobile app, an interactive personal and team development tool, to help people identify and develop key virtues skills. We also offer dynamic workshops, online training, and customized programs to help people cultivate these positive qualities of character. To learn more, visit www.virtuesmatter.org.
