#Humility
Quotes tagged #Humility
Quotes: 68

Helen Keller’s Measure: Warmth Over Applause
If applause misleads, measure what care accomplishes. In service, track customer effort—lower friction often signals thoughtful empathy and predicts loyalty (Dixon, Freeman, and Toman, 2010). In teams, pulse psychological safety, which correlates with learning and performance (Amy Edmondson, 1999). In communities, log hours of mutual aid, follow-up outcomes, and equitable access improvements. Individually, keep a ledger of specific burdens lifted and repairs made. By counting reductions in harm and increases in belonging, we align our dashboards with Keller’s warm arithmetic. [...]
Created on: 11/4/2025

Quiet Roots, Loud Harvests of Character
Finally, the rhythm becomes practical through small rituals. Begin with a daily review of intentions and conduct; pair it with deliberate practice blocks shielded from distraction. Next, set evidence-based checkpoints where you present outcomes—finished prototypes, peer-reviewed findings, community milestones—so that visibility corresponds to real value. Close the loop by crediting collaborators and converting applause into renewed commitments. Thus, character grows underground, yet the harvest rings out, inviting others to plant and tend their own. [...]
Created on: 11/2/2025

To Lead People, Walk Behind Them - Lao Tzu
Lao Tzu, a central figure in Daoism, often highlighted the importance of harmony, balance, and yielding in his teachings. This quote aligns with Daoist principles of leading with gentleness, adaptability, and humility. [...]
Created on: 12/28/2024

Sell Your Cleverness and Buy Bewilderment - Rumi
As a 13th-century Persian poet and Sufi mystic, Rumi often emphasized themes of detachment, self-awareness, and finding divinity through love and wonder. This quote reflects his broader worldview of seeking deeper truths beyond surface intellect. [...]
Created on: 12/25/2024

You Grow Up the Day You Have Your First Real Laugh — At Yourself - Ethel Barrymore
Ethel Barrymore, an acclaimed actress of the early 20th century, was known for her wit and wisdom. This statement reflects her appreciation for self-deprecating humor as a mark of personal growth and perspective on life. [...]
Created on: 12/13/2024

In Doing What We Ought, We Deserve No Praise - C.S. Lewis
C.S. Lewis, a prominent Christian thinker and writer, often explored themes of morality, duty, and humility in his works. This quote reflects his belief that a moral life involves doing what is right without the expectation of reward or recognition. [...]
Created on: 12/11/2024

To Be a Leader Is to Be a Servant First - Robert K. Greenleaf
This principle is particularly relevant in modern leadership, where hierarchical and authoritarian models are increasingly being replaced by participative and human-centered approaches in workplaces and communities. [...]
Created on: 11/29/2024

Great Things from the Valley, Small Things from the Peak - Gilbert K. Chesterton
Chesterton, known for his wit and philosophical musings, often explored themes of paradox and perspective. This quote reflects his broader worldview that one must embrace different positions and experiences to gain true understanding. [...]
Created on: 11/25/2024

It Is Not Enough to Conquer; One Must Learn to Yield - George Santayana
As a philosopher, George Santayana often reflected on the nature of human experience, ethics, and wisdom. This quote underscores a philosophical truth that winning or dominating without wisdom and humility is incomplete and ultimately unfulfilling. [...]
Created on: 11/12/2024

Be Humble in Your Confidence Yet Ambitious in Your Actions - James A. McDivitt
James A. McDivitt was an astronaut, pilot, and leader during critical space missions. His career reflects a balance of humility in acknowledging teamwork and the ambitious actions required for success in space exploration. [...]
Created on: 11/10/2024

Keep Your Hopes Up High and Your Head Down Low — Unknown
This contrast between high hopes and a low head can also imply personal growth—pursuing personal excellence while staying grounded in day-to-day struggles. [...]
Created on: 11/6/2024

Think Lightly of Yourself and Deeply of the World - Miyamoto Musashi
Miyamoto Musashi was a renowned Japanese swordsman and philosopher in the early 17th century. His teachings reflect the Samurai code of Bushido, which emphasized honor, discipline, and the importance of controlling one’s ego to attain greater clarity and purpose. [...]
Created on: 11/4/2024

To Live Greatly - Thomas S. Monson
Monson, a religious leader and former president of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, often spoke on leadership and personal values. This quote encapsulates his view that leadership comes from demonstrating strength, optimism, and humility in life's trials and triumphs. [...]
Created on: 10/30/2024

To Become Truly Great, One Has to Stand with People, Not Above Them - Charles de Montesquieu
Charles de Montesquieu, a renowned French philosopher of the Enlightenment, often wrote about governance, liberty, and equality. This quote reflects his belief in shared power and leadership that is inclusive rather than hierarchical. [...]
Created on: 10/21/2024

You May Be the Star of Your Own Show, But You Are Not the Only Actor on the Stage – Unknown
While personal ambitions are important, the quote urges humility. It is a reminder not to let our self-importance overshadow the value of other people's roles and existence. [...]
Created on: 9/28/2024

Act in the Valley So That You May Walk in the Mountain — African Proverb
African proverbs often emphasize wisdom passed down through generations, reflecting universal human experiences. This proverb echoes the value of patience, resilience, and personal development in many African cultures, where survival and success often depend on steady effort over time. [...]
Created on: 9/26/2024

True Nobility Is Being Superior to Your Former Self - Ernest Hemingway
Known for his minimalist style and deep insight into the human condition, Hemingway often focused on themes of personal struggle, overcoming adversity, and inner integrity, which are reflected in this quote. [...]
Created on: 9/16/2024

Everyone You Will Ever Meet Knows Something You Don’t - Bill Nye
Bill Nye's statement reflects the impact of diverse backgrounds and experiences on knowledge. Each person's journey provides context to their understanding, making it valuable to listen to different perspectives. [...]
Created on: 8/15/2024

To Reach the Heights of Greatness, One Must Begin at the Depths of Humility - Anonymous
Attributed to an anonymous source, this quote reflects a universal truth that has been echoed in various cultures and philosophies, emphasizing that humility is a critical step in any significant achievement. [...]
Created on: 7/20/2024

Climb the Mountain to See the World, Not So the World Can See You - David McCullough Jr.
David McCullough Jr. is an American author and speaker, known for his educational and motivational messages. This quote reflects his views on the importance of education, self-awareness, and individual purpose. [...]
Created on: 7/1/2024

Keep Your Eyes on the Stars, and Your Feet on the Ground - Theodore Roosevelt
Theodore Roosevelt was the 26th President of the United States and a key figure in early 20th-century American politics. Known for his adventurous spirit and progressive policies, his words reflect his philosophy of striving for greatness while being pragmatic and sensible. [...]
Created on: 6/22/2024

Xijiang Moon - Xin Qiji
Xin Qiji was a renowned poet of the Southern Song Dynasty, known for his patriotic themes and rich, descriptive language. His works often reflect deep philosophical thoughts and a profound appreciation for nature. [...]
Created on: 5/27/2024

The River Does Not Stop to Look at the Stars, but It Reflects Their Light in Every Curve
The river's continuous flow can be seen as a metaphor for human experiences and emotions. It suggests that people may not always consciously appreciate the 'stars' in their lives, yet these influences are subtly reflected in their actions and decisions. [...]
Created on: 5/25/2024

Stars Are Not Afraid to Appear as Fireflies - Rabindranath Tagore
As a philosopher and poet, Rabindranath Tagore often explored themes of unity and interconnectedness. This quote can be seen as a reflection on the unity between the macrocosm (the stars) and the microcosm (the fireflies), suggesting a deeper spiritual connection in the universe. [...]
Created on: 5/24/2024