C.S. Lewis Humility Quote Mere Christianity
C.S. Lewis, one of the most celebrated authors of the 20th century, wrote a book called Mere Christianity. In this book, he talks about the basic tenets of Christianity and how they relate to our daily lives. One of the most profound quotes in the book is about humility. In this article, we will explore C.S. Lewis's humility quote from Mere Christianity and what it means for us today.
The Humility Quote
The quote on humility from C.S. Lewis's Mere Christianity goes as follows:
"True humility is not thinking less of yourself; it is thinking of yourself less."
At first glance, this quote might seem confusing. How can one think of themselves less and still have a healthy self-image? However, upon closer inspection, we can see that this quote is actually quite profound.
What is Humility?
Before we can fully understand C.S. Lewis's quote on humility, we must first understand what humility is. Humility is not the same as self-deprecation or low self-esteem. Rather, humility is a state of mind in which we are not consumed with thoughts of ourselves. Instead, we focus on others and their needs.
Being humble means that we are not obsessed with our own achievements or failures. We do not constantly seek validation from others, nor do we compare ourselves to others. Instead, we recognize our own limitations and strengths and work to improve ourselves without seeking recognition or praise.
The Importance of Humility
Humility is an important virtue to cultivate. It allows us to be more compassionate and empathetic towards others. When we are not constantly thinking about ourselves, we are able to focus on the needs of those around us. This can lead to stronger relationships and a greater sense of community.
Furthermore, humility can help us to become better versions of ourselves. When we are not consumed with thoughts of our own accomplishments, we are more open to learning and growing. We are able to recognize our own limitations and work to overcome them.
Applying Humility to Our Lives
So how do we apply C.S. Lewis's humility quote to our own lives? First and foremost, we must strive to become more self-aware. We must recognize when we are being consumed with thoughts of ourselves and make a conscious effort to shift our focus towards others.
We can also practice humility by being more open to feedback and criticism. Instead of becoming defensive when someone points out our flaws, we can take their feedback as an opportunity for growth and improvement.
Finally, we can practice humility by serving others. When we focus on the needs of others, we are less likely to become consumed with thoughts of ourselves. We can volunteer our time, donate to charity, or simply lend a listening ear to someone in need.
Conclusion
C.S. Lewis's humility quote from Mere Christianity is a powerful reminder of the importance of focusing on others rather than ourselves. By cultivating humility, we can become more compassionate, empathetic, and open to growth and improvement. So let us strive to think of ourselves less and others more.
