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Humility Rules: Saint Benedict's Twelve-Step Guide to Genuine Self-Esteem
Saint Benedict's fifth-century guide to humility offers the antidote to the
epidemic of stress and depression overwhelming modern young adults. But the
language of The Rule by Saint Benedict is medieval, and its
most passionate advocates are cloistered monks and nuns. How then does this
ancient wisdom translate into advice for ordinary people? With candor,
humor, and a unique approach to classical art, Father Augustine, a high school
teacher and coach, breaks down Saint Benedict's method into twelve pithy steps
for finding inner peace in a way that can be applied to anyone's life.
Drawing upon his own life experiences, both before and after becoming a
Benedictine monk, the author explains every step, illustrating each chapter with
color reproductions of sacred art that he has embellished with comic flourishes.
The winsome combination is sure to keep readers from taking themselves too
seriously—which is already a first step on the path to humility.
epidemic of stress and depression overwhelming modern young adults. But the
language of The Rule by Saint Benedict is medieval, and its
most passionate advocates are cloistered monks and nuns. How then does this
ancient wisdom translate into advice for ordinary people? With candor,
humor, and a unique approach to classical art, Father Augustine, a high school
teacher and coach, breaks down Saint Benedict's method into twelve pithy steps
for finding inner peace in a way that can be applied to anyone's life.
Drawing upon his own life experiences, both before and after becoming a
Benedictine monk, the author explains every step, illustrating each chapter with
color reproductions of sacred art that he has embellished with comic flourishes.
The winsome combination is sure to keep readers from taking themselves too
seriously—which is already a first step on the path to humility.
188 pages, Paperback
First published September 29, 2017
402 people are currently reading
759 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 113 reviews
May 22, 2019
I didn't realize that this was geared for young adults but no matter! I found the book witty and humorous and the pictures throughout are delightful! ☺️
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July 1, 2022If you're a.) interested in St. Benedict's book, The Rule, for his monks but b.) too lazy to read the full text (for the ambitious, author Augustine Wetta recommends the 1980 translation by Fry, Horner, and Baker), this is your ticket.
It's printed on shiny paper like my childhood missal. It has pictures of monks skateboarding, listening to tunes with earbuds, and playing guitar. And it presents St. Benedict's "Ladder of Humility" (there are 12 rungs) piecemeal with commentary by the author.
The format starts with a modern-English quote from the book, then an elaboration from Wetta, then a funny homework assignment. Stuff like "Smile at someone who doesn't look like they're going to smile back" and "Let someone less competent than you tell you what to do" and "Laugh with someone who laughs at you."
Monastic life for Christians in many cases intersects with monastic life in other religions. Buddhists have communal meals but cannot talk. Ditto Benedictine monks, except ONE monk, who is charged with reading to the group as they eat.
Some of the thoughts and rules made monastic life look less than ideal, but that's me talking, not the author. Wetta is a bit glib at times, reaching for humor (even though Benedict frowned on too much laughing) and, as you might expect, bringing up doctrinal you may not find self-evident.
Still, it's good to see people care enough to commit their life to a peaceful cause and a monastic tradition (the author, a monk himself, is walking the walk and talking the talk -- when not eating a meal, I mean).
The world could surely use more of THAT as could all of us free agents bouncing around the big bad we call Earth.
It's printed on shiny paper like my childhood missal. It has pictures of monks skateboarding, listening to tunes with earbuds, and playing guitar. And it presents St. Benedict's "Ladder of Humility" (there are 12 rungs) piecemeal with commentary by the author.
The format starts with a modern-English quote from the book, then an elaboration from Wetta, then a funny homework assignment. Stuff like "Smile at someone who doesn't look like they're going to smile back" and "Let someone less competent than you tell you what to do" and "Laugh with someone who laughs at you."
Monastic life for Christians in many cases intersects with monastic life in other religions. Buddhists have communal meals but cannot talk. Ditto Benedictine monks, except ONE monk, who is charged with reading to the group as they eat.
Some of the thoughts and rules made monastic life look less than ideal, but that's me talking, not the author. Wetta is a bit glib at times, reaching for humor (even though Benedict frowned on too much laughing) and, as you might expect, bringing up doctrinal you may not find self-evident.
Still, it's good to see people care enough to commit their life to a peaceful cause and a monastic tradition (the author, a monk himself, is walking the walk and talking the talk -- when not eating a meal, I mean).
The world could surely use more of THAT as could all of us free agents bouncing around the big bad we call Earth.
April 21, 2025
Another excellent book by Fr. Wetta! If there's one thing our world needs more of, that's humility. This book was a great look at humility, what it means, and how to humble oneself, all by looking at what St. Benedict outlined in The Rule. This book is written in such a way that teens and adults will find a lot to laugh about and a lot to relate to. Plus, it's chock full of Wetta's special brand of humor, and some hilariously doctored illustrations of monks from old paintings.
Not only is this book a helpful overview, but it also provides the reader with helpful homework tips to assist in your growth in holiness. A must for any Catholic!
Not only is this book a helpful overview, but it also provides the reader with helpful homework tips to assist in your growth in holiness. A must for any Catholic!
July 4, 2018
The translation of the title (from the “Ladder of Humility” in St. Benedict’s Rule to “Humility Rules” as if to cheer for it as the most important of virtues rather than to imply a mere handbook to humility) is a clear sign of the nature of this book. As are the multiple beautiful religious artworks used throughout and given additional artistic touches, mostly in the form of sports or music equipment : the cover shows a serious monk with a crozier in one hand and a skateboard in the other; a recurring image of a Carthusian monk with a coffee mug saying “I [heart] Me” and a wall sticker that proclaims, “Be Yourself; Everyone else’s already taken”; and myriad pictures of serious monks in shades or on motorcycles or lifting weights or eating hamburgers and pizza. All of these images make the important point that whether you are a 6th-century monk, a 21st-century monk, or a soul of any time period looking to find ways to strengthen your spiritual life and, as the subtitle says, find genuine self-esteem, this is a good guide for you. It will both instruct and entertain you, at times touching your heart and at others making you laugh out loud.
Father Wetta sticks close to the twelve steps that St. Benedict describes in the Rule, but he discusses them in terms that are quite applicable to contemporary life, and he sprinkles them with anecdotes about his own life (sometimes just hilarious). Each chapter is short, starts with a quote from the Rule, and ends with a little bit of homework for the reader. Each of the steps is divided into four sections: an introduction, the virtue in thought, the virtue in word, and the virtue in deed. It is easy to breeze through a virtue or two at a sitting, but if you go too fast, you miss taking the ideas behind the anecdotes as seriously as they are meant to be taken. This little volume works for teenagers as well as for older folks, but I suspect that the older folks are the ones that will go back to reread passages to let all the aspects of the virtues sink in, while the younger ones might go back to enjoy the sassy artwork. It is a book that needs to be reread.
There’s a ton of irony at work in the art and the titles and sometimes in the homework, but it’s not the sort that is poking fun at serious matters. Rather it is the kind that is a reminder of how far short of the glory of God we often fall, how all things--great and small, high-minded and silly, spectacular and mundane--work together for that glory, and how we need to develop the richness of true humility if we ever want to experience the fullness and beauty of genuine self-esteem.
Father Wetta sticks close to the twelve steps that St. Benedict describes in the Rule, but he discusses them in terms that are quite applicable to contemporary life, and he sprinkles them with anecdotes about his own life (sometimes just hilarious). Each chapter is short, starts with a quote from the Rule, and ends with a little bit of homework for the reader. Each of the steps is divided into four sections: an introduction, the virtue in thought, the virtue in word, and the virtue in deed. It is easy to breeze through a virtue or two at a sitting, but if you go too fast, you miss taking the ideas behind the anecdotes as seriously as they are meant to be taken. This little volume works for teenagers as well as for older folks, but I suspect that the older folks are the ones that will go back to reread passages to let all the aspects of the virtues sink in, while the younger ones might go back to enjoy the sassy artwork. It is a book that needs to be reread.
There’s a ton of irony at work in the art and the titles and sometimes in the homework, but it’s not the sort that is poking fun at serious matters. Rather it is the kind that is a reminder of how far short of the glory of God we often fall, how all things--great and small, high-minded and silly, spectacular and mundane--work together for that glory, and how we need to develop the richness of true humility if we ever want to experience the fullness and beauty of genuine self-esteem.
April 15, 2019
In a semi-parody of self-help books, J. Augustine Wetta crafts a twelve-step program from Saint Benedict's The Rule, his guide to running a monastery. The Rule is amazingly thorough, covering everything from praying at certain hours to dealing with material goods to dealing with monks who have gone bad. Wetta has a surprising amount of material to draw from. Benedict describes a "ladder of humility" by which a monk can grown in holiness. The twelve rungs of the ladder are "fear of God, self-denial, obedience, perseverance, repentance, serenity, self-abasement, prudence, silence, dignity, discretion, and reverence." [p. 19] Most self-help books on the market are trying to boost people up by learning how to love yourself or promote yourself. Wetta (through Benedict) presents a way that requires an honest assessment of personal strengths and weaknesses. But the focus is on relating to other people and to God, not on the self. Wetta gives the rungs new names riffing on self-help standards: self-denial becomes "don't be true to yourself;" repentance becomes "put your worst foot forward;" prudence becomes "think inside the box;" etc. It's a brilliant parody and shows how the life of holiness is so far from the life of pop-culture.
Each step has its own chapter, with light and short discussions of how it is applied in thought, word, and deed. Wetta uses examples from his own life. He's a Benedictine monk at Saint Louis Abbey where he teaches and coaches rugby. He grew up on an island in the Gulf of Mexico and has a great love of water sports. The examples he uses are very relatable and make his points well. Each discussion comes with a little suggested homework, often quite challenging things like "Let someone less competent than you tell you what to do." [p. 34] That will put some humility in you for sure.
Wetta includes a lot of medieval, monk-centric pictures to which he has added humorous elements. Most are sports-related, like the cover showing Saint Benedict carrying a skateboard. They are a lot of fun and add to the lightness of touch that makes the book so charming and convincing.
Highly recommended--I will probably re-read this next Lent!
Each step has its own chapter, with light and short discussions of how it is applied in thought, word, and deed. Wetta uses examples from his own life. He's a Benedictine monk at Saint Louis Abbey where he teaches and coaches rugby. He grew up on an island in the Gulf of Mexico and has a great love of water sports. The examples he uses are very relatable and make his points well. Each discussion comes with a little suggested homework, often quite challenging things like "Let someone less competent than you tell you what to do." [p. 34] That will put some humility in you for sure.
Wetta includes a lot of medieval, monk-centric pictures to which he has added humorous elements. Most are sports-related, like the cover showing Saint Benedict carrying a skateboard. They are a lot of fun and add to the lightness of touch that makes the book so charming and convincing.
Highly recommended--I will probably re-read this next Lent!
January 10, 2020
My husband, my teen-aged son, and I really liked this book. We liked it so much that we reread it a second time after completing the first reading. For us, this was a bedtime meditation. It is both lighthearted and serious. I love the pictures of monks with skateboards, skiing, surfing, etc. I think the message of the book in a nutshell would be that genuine self-esteem is not liking oneself better. It is recognizing the truth about oneself and disciplining oneself so that one is becoming a better person. The steps to grow in this are: 1. Fear of God, 2. Self-Denial, 3. Obedience, 4. Perseverance, 5. Repentance, 6. Serenity, 7. Self-Abasement, 8. Prudence, 9. Silence, 10. Dignity, 11. Discretion, and 12. Reverence. Each step has a brief introduction and then is addressed in thought, word, and deed. There are quotes from St. Benedict's Rule, anecdotes from the life of a Fr. Wetta, guidance, and homework for each step such as Prudence in Thought, Prudence in Word, and Prudence in deed. The "homework" for prudence in word is "Just say 'thank you' the next time someone tells you something you already know."
The passages and interesting, thought-provoking, and immediately applicable.
I recommend this book for any Catholic family to read together. Fr. Wetta is funny and easy to relate to. In addition to that, there are a couple of Youtube videos of him answering questions that a youth group had for him after reading the book. We watched half of one of those this evening and are enjoying getting to know Fr. Wetta in that format after getting to know him through his book.
The passages and interesting, thought-provoking, and immediately applicable.
I recommend this book for any Catholic family to read together. Fr. Wetta is funny and easy to relate to. In addition to that, there are a couple of Youtube videos of him answering questions that a youth group had for him after reading the book. We watched half of one of those this evening and are enjoying getting to know Fr. Wetta in that format after getting to know him through his book.
March 31, 2019
A quick and easy read that packs a punch in such a "small" book. There were only 177 pages but there was more insight in those "few" pages that there is in some 300+ page books that just ramble on and confuse readers. If you want a taste of what Benedictine spirituality is about -- without diving too deeply into it at first -- this is a great place to begin.
January 30, 2023
One of the best spiritual books I have ever read. Father Wetta was able to combine humor to bring some complex concepts down to an easily understandable level, without taking away the depth needed to strive in holiness. Highly recommend this one for everyone.
January 29, 2024
This book is funny, witty, but equally solid and helpful. I usually do not laugh out loud reading a book but in many sections I found myself giggling. I guess that is one of the main reasons I learned and wanted to adopt the practical implications of each step in my life. Father Wetta’s “Homeworks” at the end of every chapter made it much more fun and helpful. It is a book that I probably read again and again…
October 15, 2022
Super quick read, he makes a heavy subject lighthearted while still getting great points across. Lots of good little reminders on humility (so counter-cultural! He emphasizes that in funny ways), I’m glad I read it! For some reason I could not stand the pictures in it though (old photos of monks doing modern things, like on the cover).
March 23, 2024
he ate this up ngl. i was laughing so hard and understanding sm <33 4.5/5 stars
April 11, 2025
A very simple, practical guide to humility according to the Benedictine rule. Makes you understand a little why St. Benedict’s own monks tried to kill him, and also why they couldn’t. With homework assignments like “clean a toilet,” “keep your next opinion to yourself,” and “spend an entire day without correcting anyone,” one is sure to be humbled in thought, word, and deed. Also would recommend Fr. Augustine’s appearance on the Pints with Aquinas podcast.
August 31, 2025
I've used this book as a daily devotional in my data science classes. It's excellent. Each section is short, funny, and thought-provoking. It's an excellent prompt for discussion. I highly recommend it. I don't always agree with Wetta, but I appreciate the prompts to think and reconsider whether it's my pride that's in the way!
January 30, 2018
This is a fun, quick, easy-to-read book that I could see teen boys lapping right up! The author smartly presents Benedictine rules in all of their countercultural beauty. Who dares to question the slogans from which many a meme are born? Like "Follow Your Dreams," "Be True to Yourself," and "Think Outside the Box." J. Augustine Wetta does, and St. Benedict does too.
Each of the 12 steps in St. Benedict's Ladder of Humility are examined and applied in thought, word, and deed. Each also includes an appropriate "homework" assignment. Something like, "Clean up someone else's mess."
Not only is the book fun and inspiring, but it's practical too. I can see it being easily adapted for use in a group of teens, generating lots of discussion.
I should also mention the unique illustrations created by the author. Classical, public domain images of monks are modernized with the addition of sports equipment, ear buds, sunglasses, etc., all contributing to the thoughtful but light tone of the book.
Perfect for teens. (But adults might learn a bit from it, too!)
My only complaint is to the publisher: Please, Ignatius Press, put the punctuation inside the quotes where it belongs! You're driving me crazy!
Each of the 12 steps in St. Benedict's Ladder of Humility are examined and applied in thought, word, and deed. Each also includes an appropriate "homework" assignment. Something like, "Clean up someone else's mess."
Not only is the book fun and inspiring, but it's practical too. I can see it being easily adapted for use in a group of teens, generating lots of discussion.
I should also mention the unique illustrations created by the author. Classical, public domain images of monks are modernized with the addition of sports equipment, ear buds, sunglasses, etc., all contributing to the thoughtful but light tone of the book.
Perfect for teens. (But adults might learn a bit from it, too!)
My only complaint is to the publisher: Please, Ignatius Press, put the punctuation inside the quotes where it belongs! You're driving me crazy!
March 3, 2018
Humility Rules: Saint Benedict’s 12-Step Guide to Genuine Self-Esteem by J. Augustine Wetta, OSB. The author does not talk down to teens, but rather challenges them to engage with their faith as they grow in virtue. Self-esteem might seem like a dated buzzword, but Wetta demonstrates how it’s important, even virtuous, for teens to develop a healthy self-esteem. Read my full review.
April 3, 2018
An easy, quick introduction to Benedictine teaching. Each chapter is short but insightful, and sprinkled with humorous little anecdotes. It seems like it was probably written for a young adult audience, but the principles are universally applicable. I really enjoyed it!
July 9, 2023
A light and easy read explaining the Rule's Ladder of Humility. The author (monk) shares interesting personal anecdotes. Doing most of the homework regularly (NOT the one about the bug or setting the alarms on Sunday).
December 13, 2020
What the ....???!!!
May 10, 2022
Easy read, fun stories and pictures, very accessible for all ages, deep truths about true humility, and a great look at St. Benedict’s Rule and Benedictine spirituality as a whole! I would recommend to anyone!
February 7, 2018
A great book to use as a reflective devotional. Br. Augustine is very real and helps make the Rules relevant for our lives today.
July 6, 2025
Love Fr Augustine Wetta. His personality definitely comes out in this book. Pretty cool to read a contemporary explanation of St Benedict’s 1500 year old Rule.
January 28, 2023
Excelente
November 9, 2019
Humility Rules
This is an amazing book. Short read but I hope to spend time rest of my life learning and living these steps. You don't have to be a Catholic to fall in love witb book. The steps are for everyone who desires to walk I humility I bought the Kindle edition which made it easy to post notes. But this book also deserves a hard copy which I will get soon. There aren't many books written on humility. I bought another book at the same time I bought this one but it was boring and really had nothing to say. This book turned out to be exactly what I was looking for. I'm so grateful I found it. I love how God will lead me to exactly what I need and exactly when I need it.
This is an amazing book. Short read but I hope to spend time rest of my life learning and living these steps. You don't have to be a Catholic to fall in love witb book. The steps are for everyone who desires to walk I humility I bought the Kindle edition which made it easy to post notes. But this book also deserves a hard copy which I will get soon. There aren't many books written on humility. I bought another book at the same time I bought this one but it was boring and really had nothing to say. This book turned out to be exactly what I was looking for. I'm so grateful I found it. I love how God will lead me to exactly what I need and exactly when I need it.
December 30, 2020
My young adult son received this book from the mother of his friend whom I admire so I thought I would read it. It is great! It is an easy, enjoyable read by a young monk with a sense of humor. He uses St Bennedict’s rule to point out easy (yet sometimes difficult in practice) ways to avoid conflicts and sin, become closer to God and strive to leave mediocrity behind to be a saint. A lovely read and a book with amusing illustrations. This book could later be picked up and a short chapter read to work on a certain virtue for the day. It is simple yet profound. If everyone followed these simple rules, we would live in a better world and life would be much less complicated.
July 15, 2018
The format was great, short daily thoughts on the Rule with a homework assignment. The comical part I didn’t get.
March 1, 2022
Great advice and helpful "exercises," but the images and language felt patronizing and far too "dumbed down" for any reader over the age of 14.
July 1, 2023
I got this book because it was mentioned in a podcast on Benedictine spirituality (I can't even remember who the speaker was) and recommended highly. So, on my last online book buying spree, I added it because humility interests me. That seems odd because humility doesn't have the best rap, not unfairly because it is frequently used as a way to silence people or a highly useful tool for self-flagellation. But humlity, real humility, isn't a weapon to be used against oneself or someone else, but, as another speaker I ran into on a monastic site, 'knowing the truth about oneself- one's abilities and gifts, but also one's liabilities and weaknesses. And that is worth exploring for this middle aged guy, amid the competing demands for my attention that the world gives.
Augustine Wetta, a monk at St. Louis, Abbey, Missouri, provides a series of reflection on the well known section on humility in Benedict's Rule. The reflections combine connections to other parts of the Rule, scripture and his own experience. Wetta's writing is engaging and, sometimes, quite funny, but also manages moments of profundity. I used them as nighttime reflections, but that may not always fit. They were good to settled down to in the evening.
This book is worth keeping around (despite the instruction in the conclusion to give it away- I didn't :)) as a book of reflections, so that's what I'm doing. If you are drawn to Benedictine spirituality, this is worth reading.
Augustine Wetta, a monk at St. Louis, Abbey, Missouri, provides a series of reflection on the well known section on humility in Benedict's Rule. The reflections combine connections to other parts of the Rule, scripture and his own experience. Wetta's writing is engaging and, sometimes, quite funny, but also manages moments of profundity. I used them as nighttime reflections, but that may not always fit. They were good to settled down to in the evening.
This book is worth keeping around (despite the instruction in the conclusion to give it away- I didn't :)) as a book of reflections, so that's what I'm doing. If you are drawn to Benedictine spirituality, this is worth reading.
September 23, 2021
Our culture does not do well with Humility. Our former Commander in Chief is the prime exhibit for a country that does not excel in humility. Yet Humility is often one of the chief virtues that religion points us to.
Augustine Wetta does so in his short little book Humility Rules. This little book expands on portions of the Rule of St. Benedict and allows us to enter into this form of spirituality.
Each chapter forms a 'rung' on St. Benedict's ladder of humility and highlights that virtue in light of thought, word and deed. Each day reading comes with homework to practically apply the short lesson that Wetta puts forth. Each chapter also has a great picture of a monk doing something outrageous.
Wetta's writing is short, plithy and to the point. This is a great little devotional and a great introduction to Benedictine thought.
I highly recommend this book to anyone who wants to expand their prayer life.
Grade: A
Augustine Wetta does so in his short little book Humility Rules. This little book expands on portions of the Rule of St. Benedict and allows us to enter into this form of spirituality.
Each chapter forms a 'rung' on St. Benedict's ladder of humility and highlights that virtue in light of thought, word and deed. Each day reading comes with homework to practically apply the short lesson that Wetta puts forth. Each chapter also has a great picture of a monk doing something outrageous.
Wetta's writing is short, plithy and to the point. This is a great little devotional and a great introduction to Benedictine thought.
I highly recommend this book to anyone who wants to expand their prayer life.
Grade: A
September 25, 2021
My Thoughts:
I love this little bite size but meaty book!
It is a perfect book for a Christian of any level in Christian reading and growth.
It is a perfect book for a person who is not a big reader to a person who is an avid reader.
Further reasons why I love this gem!
1. J. Augustine Wetta, O.S.B. shares from his own life. His own-personal-human life. He doesn’t just share those moments reflecting his life as a monk and teacher. He shares the reality of his everyday life which includes trials and temptations.
2. Humility Rules is a perfect book filled with applicable teaching and homework.
3. Humility Rules is easy to understand.
4. One of my favorite chapters is “Obedience In Deed.” He states what real love is and what it looks like.
5. I have several quotes I love from this book. My favorite is easy to memorize: “My point is that humility should never be confused with mediocrity.” Page 172.
I love this little bite size but meaty book!
It is a perfect book for a Christian of any level in Christian reading and growth.
It is a perfect book for a person who is not a big reader to a person who is an avid reader.
Further reasons why I love this gem!
1. J. Augustine Wetta, O.S.B. shares from his own life. His own-personal-human life. He doesn’t just share those moments reflecting his life as a monk and teacher. He shares the reality of his everyday life which includes trials and temptations.
2. Humility Rules is a perfect book filled with applicable teaching and homework.
3. Humility Rules is easy to understand.
4. One of my favorite chapters is “Obedience In Deed.” He states what real love is and what it looks like.
5. I have several quotes I love from this book. My favorite is easy to memorize: “My point is that humility should never be confused with mediocrity.” Page 172.
September 20, 2018
This book is a hoot! If you have a teen or pre-teen who needs an attitude adjustment AND a good laugh, this is the book for them! It’s been a long time since I’ve laughed out loud while reading a book, but I’m not halfway through this and nearly blew my coffee out my nose a couple of times! The illustrations are plentiful and hilarious. Check out the cover. Look carefully. It’s a fast read, has great ‘homework’ assignments, and yet has such a great message about pursuing the virtue of humility in lessons that are gladly absorbed. Get this book! Get two, and give one to an adolescent. Read it yourself. I don’t think anyone on the planet couldn’t be helped by a little advice on putting others first. I know I felt a gentle prodding in the midst of my enjoyment of the way this book reads. Go for it!
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