I used to think "humiliation" and "humility" went together and that I couldn't have one without the other. They are related words, both based in the Latin word humus, meaning "earth". Even in English, both imply being low on some scale. While humility is a virtue, however, humiliation implies a vice. Definitions Humiliation is the … Continue reading Humiliation vs. Humility
Virtues
False Humility
About myself I will not boast, except about my weaknesses. Although if I should wish to boast, I would not be foolish, for I would be telling the truth. But I refrain, so that no one may think more of me than what he sees in me or hears from me because of the abundance … Continue reading False Humility
The Four Temperaments
One of the oldest pseudo-psychological personality systems is called the Four Temperaments. Although the temperaments were originally connected to medicine, we now use them simply to understand ourselves and one another. It is a way of comparing and contrasting people's motives and preconceptions about the world. Most important of all, it is a way for … Continue reading The Four Temperaments
The Patience of a Saint
I talked about the social vice known as arrogance. A social virtue that hits closer to home for me is patience. I desire that patience lead me to put the greater good above the good of being understood. This is the prayer of St. Francis. This is the patience of a Saint. A simple portrayal of … Continue reading The Patience of a Saint
Love Is Come Again
In the grave they laid Him, Love by hatred slain, Thinking that never He would wake again. Laid in the earth like grain that sleeps unseen: Love is come again, like wheat arising green. Easter Carol Now the Green Blade Rises ____________ Love Is Come Again For me this Easter, finding humility was a lot like … Continue reading Love Is Come Again
Self-Pity
In all circumstances give thanks, for this is the will of God for you in Christ Jesus. 1 Thessalonians 5:18 ____________ Self-Pity Caveat mirator I recently read an examination of conscience especially written for single people. It focused on the vice of self-pity. Singles feel they don’t have that special someone to share everything with. … Continue reading Self-Pity
The Ben Franklin Effect
“This is another instance of the truth of an old maxim I had learned, which says, He that has once done you a kindness will be more ready to do you another than he whom you yourself have obliged.” Benjamin Franklin’s Autobiography ____________ The Ben Franklin Effect Humility Benjamin Franklin’s maxim above speaks of the … Continue reading The Ben Franklin Effect
Stoicism
Some things are in our control and others not. Things in our control are… whatever are our own actions. Things not in our control… whatever are not our own actions. ~The Enchiridion, by Epictetus ____________ Stoicism Stoicism was a popular philosophy in ancient Greece and, later, in Rome. The Stoic Epictetus taught the above dichotomy … Continue reading Stoicism
Gratitude
Before you set out to own what your heart aches for, before you capture your new desire, before you click the "add to cart” button on Amazon, be sure you are grateful for what you have. Gratitude is having the proper appreciation for each thing. It is a virtue that applies to everything. You ought to be … Continue reading Gratitude
Forgiveness
Tears ran down the little girl’s face. As she ran to her father, she didn’t wipe them away. “Paul hit me,” she said. Paul was close behind. “She messed up the chess board on purpose.” Their father frowned. “You don’t hit girls. Apologize.” The girl looked at Paul. He crossed his arms and rolled his … Continue reading Forgiveness
A Grain of Salt 