Hillsdale College

Humility

Govern the desires for honor, glory, and esteem.

Humility is the moral virtue that moderates the desire for honor and inclines us to recognize our own worth in its true light. The habit of humility restrains us from pursuing honors that are unfitting or unattainable without falling into excessive self-deprecation. The virtues of humility and magnanimity are both required to pursue greatness properly: where magnanimity enables us to overcome the difficulties that are inherent in noble action, humility prevents us from desiring greatness inordinately.

For Grades K-2:

The virtue of humility gives us the ability to see ourselves clearly and honestly — neither thinking too highly of ourselves nor thinking too little of ourselves. 

For Grades 3-6:

The virtue of humility gives us the ability to recognize our own worth in its true light. Humility restrains from pursuing honors or greatness that are unfitting or beyond us, without falling into the opposite error of belittling ourselves. 



Featured Stories

Pinocchio
Carlo Collodi
Grade 1-4

Story

Johnny Tremain
Esther Hoskins Forbes
Grade 4-6

Story

The Red Badge of Courage
Stephen Crane
Grade 6-12

Story

Norman the Doorman
Don Freeman
Grade K-2

Story

The Complete Tales of Uncle Remus
Julius Lester
Grade K-2

Story

Tico and the Golden Wings
Leo Lionni
Grade K-2

Story


Featured Biographies

George Washington
Ingri d'Aulaire
Grade 1-4

Biography

Mother Teresa of Calcutta
Francine Bay
Grade 1-5

Biography

Abe Lincoln Remembers
Ann Turner
Grade 1-4

Biography

John Adams: Independence Forever
Janet Benge
Grade 4-6

Biography

The Revolutionary John Adams
Cheryl Harness
Grade 4-7

Biography

Lives of Virtue

Abraham Lincoln
Abraham Lincoln
Abraham Lincoln exemplified virtue through his steadfast commitment to justice and the preservation of the Union, guiding the nation with moral clarity and courage during its darkest hours.
John Chapman (Johnny Appleseed)
John Chapman earned his moniker "Johnny Appleseed" because of his dedication to planting apple trees and selling seeds and saplings to pioneers. An eccentric and nomadic figure, Johnny stood apart from the usual frontiersman. However, he became an American hero through his generosity and kindness, which was remembered by all who knew him.
George Washington Carver
George Washington Carver is primarily remembered for his work with peanut crops in the South. But he was only able to do such great work due to his perseverance, responsibility, humility, and good judgment. These virtues not only made him a renowned chemist and professor but also the savior of southern agriculture.
Mother Teresa
Mother Teresa
Mother Teresa lived a life of profound virtue, dedicating herself to serving the poorest of the poor with selfless compassion and unwavering faith.