What is humility? If you had asked me a few years ago, I might have said it was something religious people strive for—or maybe something that made people feel insecure.
But that couldn’t be further from the truth.
On a quiet Wednesday afternoon, I opened Google Trends and was surprised to find a surge in searches —about humility of all topics. From phrases like “how to be more humble” to “God opposes the proud and gives grace,” the message was clear:
We’re searching for something deeper.
What surprised me even more? The first result wasn’t from a religious website. It came from the American Society of Administrative Professionals—a secular business group.
Their article wasn’t just defining humility—it was praising it.
According to their findings, humble managers build more collaborative, innovative workplaces. They noted that far from being passive or insecure, truly humble people are confident and competent.
Turns out, humility is showing up in boardrooms, spiritual communities, and psychology discussions alike.
So maybe it’s time we revisit this virtue—not as something outdated or only for saints, but as something essential for everyone.
Let’s explore what humility really is—and why so many different voices are calling it one of the most powerful virtues we can cultivate.
What Is Humility?
Merriam-Webster defines humility as the “freedom from pride or arrogance.” But what does pride actually mean? Oxford Languages defines pride as “a feeling of deep pleasure or satisfaction derived from one’s own achievements.”
In the spiritual sense, Positive Psychology says humility is “an attitude of spiritual modesty that comes from understanding our place in the larger order of things.”
If Pride were a camera, it wouldn’t let us take pictures of anything and anyone else except ME. ME. ME.
-Sxarina
But if humility were the camera, it would still have a few pictures of ourselves, yet also snapshots of the world beyond us.
What about in the business world?
Forbes said in a 2023 article, “Humility Helps Leaders – Here’s How,” humility in business literature has 4 pillars:
- Awareness of strengths and weaknesses
- Eagerness to grow
- Appreciates others for their strengths and weaknesses
- Focuses on goals beyond oneself
I think we’re starting to see a common thread.
If Pride were a camera, it wouldn’t let us take pictures of anything and anyone else except ME. ME. ME.
But if humility were the camera, it would still have a few pictures of ourselves, yet also snapshots of the world beyond us:
- our families, friends, co-workers, and our adorable fur babies
- the awe-inspiring beauty of landscapes, cities, and skies
- and most importantly… of God
God is the greatest thing there is and there ever was. So, it follows that the true depth of humility is acknowledgment of God.
What Does It Mean in the Catholic Worldview?
St. Teresa of Avila defines humility in three simple words:
“Humility is truth.”
St. Mother Teresa of Calcutta then expounded on this years later,
“Humility is truth, therefore in all sincerity we must be able to look up and say, ‘I can do all things in Him who strengthens me.’ By yourself, you can do nothing, have nothing but sin, weakness, and misery. All the gifts of nature and grace you have them from God.”
And then there’s the profound moment in The Dialogue of St. Catherine of Siena, where God speaks to her with these unforgettable words:
“You are she who is not; I am He who is.”
This all reminds me of a College Humor Originals video I watched back in (yes, you guessed it) college. It was called “Everything That Will Kill You…From A to Z.”
It was hilarious—but also kind of bone-chilling, because it’s true. Human life is fragile.
- A car could hit us on the way out.
- A random virus could start digesting our brains.
- Our own immune system can turn against us and inflame our organs!
And if, somehow, you manage to live in perfect health to a ripe old age…you still end up six feet underground.
So then—what becomes of our achievements, titles, and wealth? We can’t carry a single one beyond the grave.
But before we drown in anxiety or despair, God steps in and reminds us: “You can do all things in Me who strengthens you.”
Two glances.
One glance at ourselves—finite, fallen, fleeting.
And the longer, loving gaze toward God —Infinite, Thrice Holy, Everlasting
So you see, humility is not meant to discourage us—it’s meant to free us. Because when we stop clinging to our own strength, we can finally receive God’s.
Isn’t it freeing to remember that we’re not the center—but God is?
If this post enriched your faith, consider subscribing below. I’ll send you updates whenever a new blog post drops—straight to your inbox, so you never miss a thing.
Let’s read together, one page at a time, and fix our gaze on the One who strengthens us.