Commentary on the Gospel of
Humility Pays
Philosophers, theologians, and saints are unanimous in considering pride as the mother of all evils. Pride was the sin of the fallen angels. Saint Augustine defined pride as “the love of one’s own excellence.” Conversely, humility is considered the foundation to all virtues. Socrates argued that humility is the greatest of all virtues. So did Teresa of Avila. For Anthony Mary Claret, humility is the mother of all virtues. Even science is catching up with this insight now: A study published in 2013 by Bradley Owens and colleagues at Brigham Young University has shown that expressed humility has significantly positive impact on organizational outcomes, leadership effectiveness, greater academic and work performance, and job satisfaction. In other words, an attitude of humility wins you friends, opens you up to others, and earns you the good will and cooperation of others; and all these, besides the highest approval of God! Indeed, the one who humbles himself will be exalted, not only in heaven but on earth as well.
