Some thoughts on humility

by ICL Editor | June 21, 2010 10:00 am

The very first step is to try to forget about the self altogether. He [C.S. Lewis] says elsewhere that that’s the very definition of humility. Humility does not mean to have a low view of your self. It means to have no view of yourself. Having a low view of yourself is miserable–psychologists know that. And that’s also the solution to the problem of introspection. If I ask myself, how am I doing, I come out with one of three answers: well, terribly, or so-so.

If I say I’m doing well, I’m a proud, self-righteous, arrogant, self-satisfied, priggish Pharisee; if I say I’m doing lousy, I’m a miserable worm with a guilt complex and I need some psychiatry; and if i say I’m sort of fair to midland then I’m dull, wishy-washy, Charlie Brown. So what’s the solution? Don’t look at yourself. Take your temperature when you’re sick, otherwise look at other people and God. They’re much more interesting. The first step is to try to forget about yourself altogether. Your real self, your new self, will not come as long as you are looking for it. It will come only when you’re looking for Him.

Source URL: https://integratedcatholiclife.org/2010/06/peter-kreeft-some-thoughts-on-humility/

---