The Greatness of Humility: St. Augustine on Moral Excellence
Ebook
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 humility's 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 . . . McInerney's 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. Augustine's 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
Product Details
- Title : The Greatness of Humility: St. Augustine on Moral Excellence
- Authors:
- McInerney, Joseph J.
- Pecknold, C. C.
- Publisher: Pickwick Publications
- Publication Date: 2016
- ISBN: 9781498218177
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.