On Having a Humble Opinion of Oneself

Every man naturally desires to know, but what does knowledge avail without the fear of God? Indeed a humble farmer who serves God, is better than a proud philosopher, who, neglecting himself, considers the course of the heavens. He who knows himself well, is vile in his own eyes, and is not pleased with the praises of men....

The more and the better you know, the heavier will be your judgement, unless your life be also more holy. Be not, therefore puffed up with any art or science: but rather fear on account of the knowledge which is given to you. If it seems to you that you know many things, and understand them well enough, know at the same time, that there are many more things of which you are ignorant. Be not high-minded, but rather acknowledge your ignorance. Why would you prefer yourself to others, when there are many more learned and skilled in the law than yourself? If you would know and learn anything to the purpose, love to be unknown and esteemed as nothing....


This is the highest and most profitable lesson: Truly to know and despise ourselves. To have no opinion of ourselves, and to think always well and highly of others, is great wisdom and high perfection.

If you should see another openly sin, or commit grave faults, you ought not to esteem yourself better: because you know not how long you may remain in a good state. We are all frail: but think no one more frail than yourself.

-Thomas à Kempis, The Imitation of Christ, I:2