Always on the quest to sink deeper into humility, I picked up a slender book by Dietrich Von Hildebrand titled, “Humility-Wellspring of Virtue” (120 pages, Sophia Institute press, $5.95). This short book is actually a collection of passages from Von Hildebrand’s most famous work, “Transformation In Christ”, believed by many to be a modern spiritual classic.
According to Pope John Paul II, Dietrich Von Hildebrand was one of the great ethicists of our time and a “20th century Doctor of the Church” (“Doctor” is Church-speak for “great teacher”). Pope Benedict XVI also has particular admiration for this German Catholic philosopher. These two endorsements alone should perk up the ears of anyone unfamiliar with Von Hildebrand.
Von Hildebrand philosophical expertise is on full-display in this book, as he approaches humility more from a theoretical point of view than a practical one. His incredible intellect is quite evident throughout the book. Many passages caused me to humbly think, “I don’t understand this section, yet I’m still somehow aware of its brilliance.” In a way, I was humbled as much by the complexity of Von Hildebrand’s thought as the message itself. I feel that his words would only be fully comprehensible to a seasoned theologian or philosopher–this book would definitely not be my first suggestion for light reading on the topic of “humility.”
Despite the difficulty of the book, there were still many gems I was able to pull out. Von Hildebrand dismisses some myths about humility, such as the belief that authentic humility necessitates the devaluing of one’s own gifts. He corrects that belief by saying its not prideful to be honest about the gifts you have, but it is wrong to ascribe their origin to you instead of God. This was especially helpful to me, a person who is tempted to dismiss any compliment I ever receive.
I also liked his advice on the path to humiliation. According to Von Hildebrand, this path involves the welcoming of humiliation. “Humiliation” is a word with bad connotation in our society, but when viewed from the spiritual realm it is a great grace. Being “passed over” or being humiliated among others may seem uncomfortable, but it also a powerful way to grow more humble.
“Humility” is a full work on the subject of humility from a brilliant Catholic philosopher and theologian, and I think almost anyone could use something from the book in their quest for humility. However, if you’re looking for a simpler text on this topic, I would probably point you elsewhere.
(In fact, a simpler text I’ve read on humility is Andrew Murray’s small book, also titled “Humility” (104 pages, Eremitical Press, $5.95). Murray’s book shares many of Von Hildebrand’s themes.)