I'm not doing anything, and yet I'm also doing the most important thing a man can do: I'm listening to what I needed to hear from myself.
Paulo CoelhoRead
Let us be absolutely clear about one thing: we must not confuse humility with false modesty or servility.
Interpretation
What this quote means
Humility is a genuine quality, distinct from false modesty and servility, which can mislead others about one's true character.
In this quote, Paulo Coelho emphasizes the importance of understanding the true essence of humility, distinguishing it from other behaviors that may appear humble but are rooted in pretense or subservience. He advocates for authentic humility that comes from recognizing one's value without downplaying it in a deceptive manner, thus illuminating the path to genuine self-awareness and integrity.
Themes
HumilityModestySelf-AwarenessAuthenticity
In practice
Example use cases
These words would be impactful in a leadership speech to encourage genuine humility among team members.
More from Paulo Coelho
All quotes βEach stone, each bend cries welcome to him. He identifies with the mountains and the streams, he sees something of his own soul in the plants and the animals and the birds of the field.
Paulo CoelhoRead
We need to clear our minds of bad thoughts.
Paulo CoelhoRead
Having the courage to take the steps we always wanted to take is the only way of showing that we trust in God.
Paulo CoelhoRead
The fool who loves giving advice on our garden never tends his own plants
Paulo CoelhoRead
Sometimes the Warrior feels as if he were living two lives at once.
Paulo CoelhoRead
Similar quotes
Atticus, he was real nice." "Most people are, Scout, when you finally see them.
Harper LeeRead
He pleaded so much that he lost his voice. His bones began to fill with words.
Gabriel Garcia MarquezRead
Do you know this Sanskrit Shloka: "Let those who are versed in the ethical codes praise or blame, let Lakshmi, the goddess of Fortune, come or go wherever she wisheth, let death overtake him today or after a century, the wise man never swerves from the path of rectitude." Let people praise you or blame you, let fortune smile or frown upon you, let your body fall today or after a Yuga, see that you do not deviate from the path of Truth.
Swami VivekanandaRead
It isn't normal to know what we want. It is a rare and difficult psychological achievement.
Abraham MaslowRead
A wise person decides slowly but abides by these decisions.
Arthur AsheRead
The readiest and surest way to get rid of censure, is to correct ourselves.
DemosthenesRead