The Greatness of Humility: St. Augustine on Moral Excellence

The jury is out on the virtue of humility. Most people find humility a more attractive character trait in others than its opposites of pride and arrogance. Yet many philosophers be they ancient or modern find little value in humility as a virtue. For the Aristotelian moral tradition humility is an impediment to greatness. Modern philosophers take this sentiment further asserting that humility is a sham virtue that leads to unhappiness and human debasement. The Christian intellectual tradition however provides a contrast to these negative appraisals of humility. St. Augustine of Hippo is an eloquent and robust proponent of humilitys value. Unlike the thinkers of the classical and modern philosophic traditions Augustine asserts that humility is not only a significant virtue; it is the indispensable foundation of human greatness. The Greatness of Humility traces how Augustine makes his argument regarding the importance of humility and shows how his position measures up to those of his philosophical rivals. While philosophers may debate the value of humility those engaged in leader development understand the absolute necessity of this virtue . . . McInerneys contribution to this understanding is critical. The Greatness of Humility provides practicing leaders a road map for navigating a critical component of their own character and a framework for considering it in others. His clear explanations of the work of Augustine Hume and Nietzsche will become part of my undergraduate graduate and executive classrooms. --Joseph J. Thomas Chair and Distinguished Professor of Leadership Education United States Naval Academy Too often humility is understood only as a diminished opinion of oneself. Less explored is the biblical truth that humility is a prerequisite for both piety and compassion both love of God and love of neighbor. Despite millennia of Christian praise for it humility remains as radical today as in St. Augustines time. Bound to challenge and enrich this book is fascinating and timely. A must-read for the serious Christian. --Carl Anderson Supreme Knight Knights of Columbus Joseph J. McInerney is Associate Director for Planning and Assessment Division of Leadership Education at the United States Naval Academy. A Commander with more than twenty years of active-duty service in the United States Navy he received a doctorate in systematic theology from the Catholic University of America in 2012.