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Humilitas: A Lost Key to Life, Love, and Leadership
Speaker and historian John Dickson shows how the virtue of humility was an important character trait for the 'greats' of history and figures prominently in the findings of psychology and sociology. Developing humility can transform your personal relationships and professional dealings.
208 pages, Hardcover
First published March 24, 2011
134 people are currently reading
882 people want to read
About the author
John Dickson
96 books132 followersJohn focuses on the big ideas that have shaped our world.
His journey is an eclectic one. Starting out as a singer-songwriter, he now works as a writer, speaker, historian of religion (focusing on early Christianity and Judaism), media presenter, Anglican minister, and director of a multi-media think tank.
With an honours degree in theology from Moore Theological College Sydney, and a PhD in history from Macquarie University, John is also an Honorary Fellow of the Department of Ancient History (Macquarie), and teaches a course on the Historical Jesus at the University of Sydney (Department of Hebrew, Biblical and Jewish Studies) .
John is a founding director of the Centre for Public Christianity(CPX), an independent research and media company promoting informed discussion about social, ethical and religious issues in modern life.
His book “The Christ Files: How Historians Know what they Know about Jesus” was made into a four-part documentary which aired nationally on Channel 7 in 2008. Now a best-selling DVD, it also won the 2008 Pilgrim Media award (see www.thechristfiles.com.au). His more recent Life of Jesus also aired on Channel 7 in 2009 (see www.lifeofjesus.tv).
His journey is an eclectic one. Starting out as a singer-songwriter, he now works as a writer, speaker, historian of religion (focusing on early Christianity and Judaism), media presenter, Anglican minister, and director of a multi-media think tank.
With an honours degree in theology from Moore Theological College Sydney, and a PhD in history from Macquarie University, John is also an Honorary Fellow of the Department of Ancient History (Macquarie), and teaches a course on the Historical Jesus at the University of Sydney (Department of Hebrew, Biblical and Jewish Studies) .
John is a founding director of the Centre for Public Christianity(CPX), an independent research and media company promoting informed discussion about social, ethical and religious issues in modern life.
His book “The Christ Files: How Historians Know what they Know about Jesus” was made into a four-part documentary which aired nationally on Channel 7 in 2008. Now a best-selling DVD, it also won the 2008 Pilgrim Media award (see www.thechristfiles.com.au). His more recent Life of Jesus also aired on Channel 7 in 2009 (see www.lifeofjesus.tv).
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 122 reviews
October 31, 2024
Short book on humility by the self-effacing Australian John Dickson. I would say this is a good business book and one I am considering giving to my sons.
September 26, 2017
Dickson tackles the place of humility particularly in leadership, and he explores the origins of humility as a virtue in Western culture. It is in this latter section that his expertise as an historian is to the fore; in the other sections his giftedness in story telling and relating the discoveries of others shines through.
His argument re leadership and humility is that persuasion is one of the key elements of successful leadership (alongside ability, authority and example.) Persuasion and example working in tandem he sees as the most significant parts of leadership. And humility is of great importance in granting persuasion and "exemplariness".
He shows how the sense of the virtue of humility arose directly from the impact of the person and work of Jesus Christ, particularly his sacrificial death.
One reviewer on this site dismissed Dickson's book with a 1-star critique, saying that he takes some cheap shots at some people who, in his view, possibly lack humility. There is probably a grain of truth in the critique. But I was struck with Dickson's readiness to be the butt of his own jokes, and to indicate his own failings—far more rigorous with himself than with others!
My own feeling about the book is that Dickson perhaps pulled the punch a little on the topic, stepping back perhaps from the essential Christian thinking about humility, in his desire to write in an accessible way for a wide audience. How do the proud become humble? "The Lord opposes the proud but gives grace to the humble." The crucifixion of Jesus is not only the exemplary centre of humility, it is also its source, as God opposes the proud in the crucifixion of His humble Son. Humility cannot be overcome by the will of the proud - else it is simply another one of our proud accomplishments. It can only be granted by the gift of the Spirit of the humble One, in whom we are put to death and raised to a new life. There is offence in that - but the only way up for the proud is to be cast down through that offence.
His argument re leadership and humility is that persuasion is one of the key elements of successful leadership (alongside ability, authority and example.) Persuasion and example working in tandem he sees as the most significant parts of leadership. And humility is of great importance in granting persuasion and "exemplariness".
He shows how the sense of the virtue of humility arose directly from the impact of the person and work of Jesus Christ, particularly his sacrificial death.
One reviewer on this site dismissed Dickson's book with a 1-star critique, saying that he takes some cheap shots at some people who, in his view, possibly lack humility. There is probably a grain of truth in the critique. But I was struck with Dickson's readiness to be the butt of his own jokes, and to indicate his own failings—far more rigorous with himself than with others!
My own feeling about the book is that Dickson perhaps pulled the punch a little on the topic, stepping back perhaps from the essential Christian thinking about humility, in his desire to write in an accessible way for a wide audience. How do the proud become humble? "The Lord opposes the proud but gives grace to the humble." The crucifixion of Jesus is not only the exemplary centre of humility, it is also its source, as God opposes the proud in the crucifixion of His humble Son. Humility cannot be overcome by the will of the proud - else it is simply another one of our proud accomplishments. It can only be granted by the gift of the Spirit of the humble One, in whom we are put to death and raised to a new life. There is offence in that - but the only way up for the proud is to be cast down through that offence.
November 14, 2013
Humilitas is the Latin word for humility. John Dickson began studying the origins of humility in Western ethical thought through a research project he was involved with at Macquarie University. He was intrigued to discover that prior to the growth of Christianity humility was not valued highly. The more he researched the topic the more he was drawn to the aesthetic qualities and practical benefits of humility.
In the introduction Dickson, points out the difficulty or writing on this subject. Does the reader think he is writing about humility because he has his virtue? If so, he clearly hasn't. Yet if he doesn't have this virtue why would he presume to write about it? Dickson makes many amusing comments about his lack of humility including a comment from his best friend who said, on learning the topic of his research project, "Well, John, at least you have the objective distance from the subject!"
Dickson looks at a range of issues associated with humility. How is it defined? How does it affect leadership? How does it affect our relationship with others? How did it become a virtue? Why is it a virtue worth pursuing? What is the enduring legacy that Jesus left in regard to humility? Dickson gives many insights and historic understanding into this virtue and why it is something worth pursing today.
Overall a very interesting and enlightening book.
In the introduction Dickson, points out the difficulty or writing on this subject. Does the reader think he is writing about humility because he has his virtue? If so, he clearly hasn't. Yet if he doesn't have this virtue why would he presume to write about it? Dickson makes many amusing comments about his lack of humility including a comment from his best friend who said, on learning the topic of his research project, "Well, John, at least you have the objective distance from the subject!"
Dickson looks at a range of issues associated with humility. How is it defined? How does it affect leadership? How does it affect our relationship with others? How did it become a virtue? Why is it a virtue worth pursuing? What is the enduring legacy that Jesus left in regard to humility? Dickson gives many insights and historic understanding into this virtue and why it is something worth pursing today.
Overall a very interesting and enlightening book.
June 22, 2021
A nice mix of classical history, wisdom from ancient traditions, modern psychology, and quality business practice. Dickson's book enumerates different traits of good leadership and shows how they centre around humility. Which is a public virtue, not at all linked with self loathing.
Humility requires one, who believes in their own self worth, to forgo their high status for others. Which will see them and the party rise commensurately, at least in the longer term. Think here of Piaget's iterated game. The best leaders are not just good rhetoricians but back their words up with actions. They are good models and have skin in the game. They also command authority, without being authoritarian. This points to the importance of a good hierarchy and structural power.
This all makes sense within a Christian context, as per Paul E. Miller's the J-Curve. Plus, there is a cross-cultural overlap and Dickson mentions figures like Gandhi.
I would liked to have heard more about honour and shame, and humility or the lack thereof, today and how technology plays a role in forming and sustaining these patterns. However, John plays to his strengths well, as a classical historian.
Humility requires one, who believes in their own self worth, to forgo their high status for others. Which will see them and the party rise commensurately, at least in the longer term. Think here of Piaget's iterated game. The best leaders are not just good rhetoricians but back their words up with actions. They are good models and have skin in the game. They also command authority, without being authoritarian. This points to the importance of a good hierarchy and structural power.
This all makes sense within a Christian context, as per Paul E. Miller's the J-Curve. Plus, there is a cross-cultural overlap and Dickson mentions figures like Gandhi.
I would liked to have heard more about honour and shame, and humility or the lack thereof, today and how technology plays a role in forming and sustaining these patterns. However, John plays to his strengths well, as a classical historian.
August 24, 2016
I purchased this book years ago after hearing John Dickson speak on the subject at the Willow Creek Leadership Summit. I was intrigued. It's only taken me this long to read it because I've had other things going on and I have read it slowly, underlining and pondering his words. I love the historical dimension to his work as well as the practical application for today. Am I humble now because I read it? Wish I could state I've mastered that but pride is the enemy of my soul. Hopefully I'm closer to it than before. As an author myself it's a difficult thing to promote you and your work while at the same time realizing that I'm not all that and a bag of chips. But then, the editing process quickly dissabuses one of thoughts of grandeur anyway. This may be a small book - but it's packed with depth and strong content and well worth reading.
November 22, 2019
A great little book about a quality that is so helpful for the gaining of wisdom and for leadership and achievement, but that is often under-emphasised and under-appreciated in modern society, where self-promotion and image creation are often touted as more important. Dickson explores the historical roots of humility and gives insights into why it makes leadership more authentic and powerful, and how it benefits personal and professional development. An easy read, and one I would recommend.
May 10, 2012
In short, this is a helpful, readable book on a much needed topic. I like a lot of things about this book -- but as a whole it is hard for me to categorise. I think it's great that John Dickson has branched into yet another field, I love that he happily and naturally brings his Christian worldview to the topic of humility, I really enjoy his historical bent and I find his style easy to read. Perhaps because there is a lot of familiar material from his earlier books rearranged around the topic of humiltiy however, I struggled to follow a central theme, or to work out precisely why he wrote this book. But who cares really: new John Dickson readers - the majority of the audience - would be blissfully unaware of all this, and it's a good book.
January 17, 2020
Humility is a character we love in others, especially in a leader. But despite our admiration and longing for humility and modesty, not many of us can say to be truly humble. This book explores the historical origin of humility. The author further provides examples of figures who behaved humbly. You also learn in the book how to cultivate humility. But what's not sufficiently covered in the book is whether a person's genetic temperament plays any role in humility.
July 26, 2015
I think this book achieved what it set out to, but it felt a little stuck inbetween realms, neither scholarly nor popular, neither Christian nor secular. The random wikimedia thumbnails were an odd choice. Still a worthwhile read, but if there were either a pamphlet version or a longer monograph, I think either of those would hit the spot better.
November 23, 2018
Helpful, but not revolutionary.
April 3, 2018
Humilitas is predictably about the classic virtue of humility. A great portion of the book is devoted to the value and genesis of the virtue. The author expends a lot of energy assuring readers this isn't merely a Christian virtue, but one that transcends religious worldviews. My main critique of the book is that it is too short. In the last chapter the author offers suggestions for working on developing one's own humility. This is where much more energy and focus should have been expended. Instead it comes across as truncated in the most unfortunate of places. The book is a five star idea with a three star execution.
July 31, 2012
Awesome book on humility!
May 29, 2015
This is such a well executed book. Would be a wonderful resource for leadership training.
March 11, 2017
really, really, really good.
July 19, 2017
A challenging and thoughtful book on the subject of humility, I loved every chapter!
August 28, 2021
Enjoyed this book on Humility. Interesting to read a book from a Christian Author who took a more secular approach
September 25, 2022
John Dickson examines what humility is and why it is so essential. I particularly appreciated the logic he put forth in his chapter "Harmony: Why Humility is Better than Tolerance"; would have loved to see this idea explored in further detail, as I found the weighing of these two values to be quite interesting. It does seem that at times, Dickson softens his own religious convictions in order to make this book more engaging with secular audiences; I think this resulted in a less philosophically rigorous framing around humility.
4.0/5
"Three old civilizations have been mixed together to form the culture of which we are the heirs - the Hebrew, the Greek, and the Roman, a religious, an artistic, and an organizing, administrative, or scientific civilization. These three streams of old experience have never really fused." (p. 23)
“Humility is the noble choice to forgo your status, deploy your resources or use your influence for the good of others before yourself. More simply, you could say the humble person is marked by a willingness to hold power in service of others.” (p. 24)
“If leadership can be described as the art of inspiring others in a team to contribute their best to a goal”, there are four tools that leaders have at their disposal: (1) ability - good leaders always have some observable ability that commands respect from others, (2) authority - these are the structural powers handed to leaders by an organization, (3) persuasion - good leaders are able to convey a vision and convince the team of its worth, and (4) example - this includes everything from the leader’s listening ear to his work ethic to courteous tone toward subordinates. (Paraphrased, pp. 37 - 40).
"Persons in power should be very careful how they deal with a man who cares nothing for sensual pleasure, nothing for riches, nothing for comfort or praise, or promotion, but is simply determined to do what he believes to be right. He is a dangerous and uncomfortable enemy, because his body which you can always conquer gives you so little purchase upon his soul.” (p. 44)
“None of us is an expert at everything, so a little humility is common sense. Humbly acknowledging limitations and refusing to engage in competency extrapolation are not signs of weakness. They demonstrate realism and are therefore strengths.” (pp. 55-56).
“Human pride is in fact the engine of mediocrity. It fools us into believing that we have “arrived", that we are complete, that there is little else to learn. Humility, by contrast… reminds us that we are small and incomplete and so urges us on toward the heights of artistic, scientific and societal endeavor.” (p. 120).
“Mistakes of execution are rarely as damaging to an organization, whether corporate, ecclesiastical or academic, as a refusal to concede mistakes, apologize to those affected and redress the issue with generosity and haste.” (p. 130).
“Humility applied to convictions does not mean believing things any less; it means treating those who hold contrary beliefs with respect and friendship.” (p. 167).
“We maintain our convictions but choose never to allow them to become justification for thinking ourselves better than those with contrary convictions. We move beyond mere tolerance to true humility, the key to harmony at the social level.” (p. 170)
“Noticing the inherent beauty of a thing is the first step in organizing our thoughts and actions around it. Loving humility, admiring it and longing for it are what kick-starts the process of being transformed by it.” (p. 174)
“If we are shaped by what we admire, finding admirable examples and studying them will go a long way toward forming humility in us.” (p. 175)
4.0/5
"Three old civilizations have been mixed together to form the culture of which we are the heirs - the Hebrew, the Greek, and the Roman, a religious, an artistic, and an organizing, administrative, or scientific civilization. These three streams of old experience have never really fused." (p. 23)
“Humility is the noble choice to forgo your status, deploy your resources or use your influence for the good of others before yourself. More simply, you could say the humble person is marked by a willingness to hold power in service of others.” (p. 24)
“If leadership can be described as the art of inspiring others in a team to contribute their best to a goal”, there are four tools that leaders have at their disposal: (1) ability - good leaders always have some observable ability that commands respect from others, (2) authority - these are the structural powers handed to leaders by an organization, (3) persuasion - good leaders are able to convey a vision and convince the team of its worth, and (4) example - this includes everything from the leader’s listening ear to his work ethic to courteous tone toward subordinates. (Paraphrased, pp. 37 - 40).
"Persons in power should be very careful how they deal with a man who cares nothing for sensual pleasure, nothing for riches, nothing for comfort or praise, or promotion, but is simply determined to do what he believes to be right. He is a dangerous and uncomfortable enemy, because his body which you can always conquer gives you so little purchase upon his soul.” (p. 44)
“None of us is an expert at everything, so a little humility is common sense. Humbly acknowledging limitations and refusing to engage in competency extrapolation are not signs of weakness. They demonstrate realism and are therefore strengths.” (pp. 55-56).
“Human pride is in fact the engine of mediocrity. It fools us into believing that we have “arrived", that we are complete, that there is little else to learn. Humility, by contrast… reminds us that we are small and incomplete and so urges us on toward the heights of artistic, scientific and societal endeavor.” (p. 120).
“Mistakes of execution are rarely as damaging to an organization, whether corporate, ecclesiastical or academic, as a refusal to concede mistakes, apologize to those affected and redress the issue with generosity and haste.” (p. 130).
“Humility applied to convictions does not mean believing things any less; it means treating those who hold contrary beliefs with respect and friendship.” (p. 167).
“We maintain our convictions but choose never to allow them to become justification for thinking ourselves better than those with contrary convictions. We move beyond mere tolerance to true humility, the key to harmony at the social level.” (p. 170)
“Noticing the inherent beauty of a thing is the first step in organizing our thoughts and actions around it. Loving humility, admiring it and longing for it are what kick-starts the process of being transformed by it.” (p. 174)
“If we are shaped by what we admire, finding admirable examples and studying them will go a long way toward forming humility in us.” (p. 175)
April 29, 2015
John Dickson’s book Humilitas: A Lost Key To Life, Love, and Leadership is an amazing journey into the concept of humility. The author’s message speaks directly to every human being who desires to be great yet seeks to be humble. This very idea seems to scream with contradiction, for what kind of humble person would desire greatness? This is what makes Humilits a great book. He tackles age-old challenge: who in the world would have the guts to write a book on humility? In this paper we will give a short summary of each of the chapters found in this book, critique the main thesis and concepts of the book, and make personal application to the life of the reader. We will conclude this paper with a brief summary of the issues discussed.
Humilitas is divided into 10 chapters including an introduction and a concluding practical chapter on steps to becoming more humble. He opens the book by clearly demonstrating his own humility, though ironically endeavoring to wrote a treatise on the subject, by stating that he does not believe himself to have arrived at the perfect point of humility but that he has made humility a life-long endeavor and personal academic pursuit. He states as his thesis: “The most influential and inspiring people are often marked by humility.”
In chapters one and two the author describes humility as “the noble choice to forgo status, deploy your resources or use your influence for the good of others before yourself.” He makes the valid point through anecdotal offerings that genuine humility builds influence. If someone is to be an effective leader who inspires others to contribute their best they must have humility. He then goes on to express the tools of leadership as ability, authority, persuasion, and example. Of these four Dickson places the combination of persuasion and example as the most fundamental as pertaining to humility, knowing that without humility it is impossible to by persuasive, and without persuasiveness it is impossible to be a genuine leader.
In chapters three and four Dickson discusses the common sense and attractiveness of humility. It seems rather obvious that to the lucid individual that they clearly are not the best when they simply compare themselves to their surrounding community. They may be above average in a particular ability but that means they are necessarily below average in another. Humility is the natural consequence of honest self-evaluation. This is the reason why a humble person is so beautiful to others. They can see who you really are. If you present yourself as better than you appear you will repel people but if you present yourself as less than you truly are you will attract people.
In chapters five and six the reader is taught why the ancient world didn’t like humility and how Jesus changed everything. In ancient societies that advanced the importance of honor and loathed the idea of shame, humility seemed interconnected with debasement and shame and was to be avoided. But then came a humble Jewish carpenter from Nazareth who taught the very opposite. His life, death, and followers taught that humility was a grand idea that propels us forward and is extremely honorable.
In chapters seven and eight we are taught humility is actually the catalyst that advances mankind forward and garners influence from those who are seeking a leader. If someone is too prideful to learn then they will never see advancement. If a person is prideful they will be viewed as having little character, which is essential if you are hoping to persuade others to a point of view.
In chapters nine and ten we see the benefit of humility to those in our lives and those in society at large. A genuinely humble person will inspire those to whom God brings him in contact while a prideful person will discourage everyone around. Society continues to fight one another while screaming the word: tolerance. And though tolerance may be a worthy goal it pales in comparison to true humility.
I enjoyed this book tremendously and recommend it without hesitation. He clearly proves his thesis throughout the book by showing that the most influential and inspiring people are marked by humility. Dickson proves with logic that a humble person is worthy of hearing and following. He shows from history that humility advances an individual or a nation like nothing else can do. And most importantly to me, he proposes that humility is something that is clearly taught by Jesus Christ. As a Christian I see this as an historical reality while also believing it to be a spiritual command. I have a moral obligation to the Lord of my life to exemplify the character of Jesus and live as He would live.
When Dickson began to discuss Jesus’ influence on the world’s mindset regarding humility I was truly engaged. This was my favorite part of the book for several reasons. Though he clearly is not writing this book for the Christian community he does a tremendous job at expressing the Christian concept of humility and how “the historical Jesus” quite literally shifted the course of human thought on this issue. Right up to the time of the Roman Emperors it was completely socially acceptable to publicize one’s own greatness without any hint of blush or embarrassment. But then Jesus came. His thoughts, His words, and His teaching course-corrected the entire human race. What a fascinating thought this really was.
Again, I loved this book. I really admire Dickson for picking up this task and carrying through to completion. This is obviously one of those books that would have been extremely difficult to write due to the obvious potential pitfalls that come with this subject. I cannot imagine how many jokes form friends and family he must have endured when announcing his intention to write a book on humility. Few things could be interpreted as more arrogant than pursuing this goal. Yet, graciously and with obvious humility, he entered this project and produced something that I believe will be a help to many people. I have been personally helped by this book and plan on giving it to several friends and ministry leaders.
While reading this book I was personally challenged to not only present myself as a humble person but to truly seek humility and remember the words of our Lord Jesus and the example He set as a servant of mankind. Every American pastor should get a copy of this book and read it carefully. If it helps them half as much as it has helped me, they will not regret the investment.
Humilitas is divided into 10 chapters including an introduction and a concluding practical chapter on steps to becoming more humble. He opens the book by clearly demonstrating his own humility, though ironically endeavoring to wrote a treatise on the subject, by stating that he does not believe himself to have arrived at the perfect point of humility but that he has made humility a life-long endeavor and personal academic pursuit. He states as his thesis: “The most influential and inspiring people are often marked by humility.”
In chapters one and two the author describes humility as “the noble choice to forgo status, deploy your resources or use your influence for the good of others before yourself.” He makes the valid point through anecdotal offerings that genuine humility builds influence. If someone is to be an effective leader who inspires others to contribute their best they must have humility. He then goes on to express the tools of leadership as ability, authority, persuasion, and example. Of these four Dickson places the combination of persuasion and example as the most fundamental as pertaining to humility, knowing that without humility it is impossible to by persuasive, and without persuasiveness it is impossible to be a genuine leader.
In chapters three and four Dickson discusses the common sense and attractiveness of humility. It seems rather obvious that to the lucid individual that they clearly are not the best when they simply compare themselves to their surrounding community. They may be above average in a particular ability but that means they are necessarily below average in another. Humility is the natural consequence of honest self-evaluation. This is the reason why a humble person is so beautiful to others. They can see who you really are. If you present yourself as better than you appear you will repel people but if you present yourself as less than you truly are you will attract people.
In chapters five and six the reader is taught why the ancient world didn’t like humility and how Jesus changed everything. In ancient societies that advanced the importance of honor and loathed the idea of shame, humility seemed interconnected with debasement and shame and was to be avoided. But then came a humble Jewish carpenter from Nazareth who taught the very opposite. His life, death, and followers taught that humility was a grand idea that propels us forward and is extremely honorable.
In chapters seven and eight we are taught humility is actually the catalyst that advances mankind forward and garners influence from those who are seeking a leader. If someone is too prideful to learn then they will never see advancement. If a person is prideful they will be viewed as having little character, which is essential if you are hoping to persuade others to a point of view.
In chapters nine and ten we see the benefit of humility to those in our lives and those in society at large. A genuinely humble person will inspire those to whom God brings him in contact while a prideful person will discourage everyone around. Society continues to fight one another while screaming the word: tolerance. And though tolerance may be a worthy goal it pales in comparison to true humility.
I enjoyed this book tremendously and recommend it without hesitation. He clearly proves his thesis throughout the book by showing that the most influential and inspiring people are marked by humility. Dickson proves with logic that a humble person is worthy of hearing and following. He shows from history that humility advances an individual or a nation like nothing else can do. And most importantly to me, he proposes that humility is something that is clearly taught by Jesus Christ. As a Christian I see this as an historical reality while also believing it to be a spiritual command. I have a moral obligation to the Lord of my life to exemplify the character of Jesus and live as He would live.
When Dickson began to discuss Jesus’ influence on the world’s mindset regarding humility I was truly engaged. This was my favorite part of the book for several reasons. Though he clearly is not writing this book for the Christian community he does a tremendous job at expressing the Christian concept of humility and how “the historical Jesus” quite literally shifted the course of human thought on this issue. Right up to the time of the Roman Emperors it was completely socially acceptable to publicize one’s own greatness without any hint of blush or embarrassment. But then Jesus came. His thoughts, His words, and His teaching course-corrected the entire human race. What a fascinating thought this really was.
Again, I loved this book. I really admire Dickson for picking up this task and carrying through to completion. This is obviously one of those books that would have been extremely difficult to write due to the obvious potential pitfalls that come with this subject. I cannot imagine how many jokes form friends and family he must have endured when announcing his intention to write a book on humility. Few things could be interpreted as more arrogant than pursuing this goal. Yet, graciously and with obvious humility, he entered this project and produced something that I believe will be a help to many people. I have been personally helped by this book and plan on giving it to several friends and ministry leaders.
While reading this book I was personally challenged to not only present myself as a humble person but to truly seek humility and remember the words of our Lord Jesus and the example He set as a servant of mankind. Every American pastor should get a copy of this book and read it carefully. If it helps them half as much as it has helped me, they will not regret the investment.
February 14, 2025
Really enjoyed some moments of this book. Practical and inspiring.
April 1, 2020
Did I tell you about the local service group that gave me a medal for my humility? Then someone saw me wearing it in public and I had to give it back. (just kidding) The author of Humilitas sort of makes the same statement, which is one we all know by now: Just about the time you think you have this humility thing nailed, you've shown that you probably don't.
"The most influential and inspiring people are often marked by humility" is Dickson's thesis for the book, and I believe he proved it well. The book digs into topics like the logic of humility; why the ancients didn't like the idea of humility; how humility lifts the people around us; why humility can generate abilities; and why humility is better than 'tolerance.' His research is nicely balanced with stories, some of them about his own encounters with humble people.
Several examples of great people who've demonstrated humility (and some who haven't) give insight into how we respond to leaders as we examine their character. It becomes clear that we all know someone who isn't necessarily in the public eye or in leadership who makes an excellent impression because of their humility. Those people may not even have great intelligence or great physical resources to draw on. It's more of a heart issue than a head issue.
Consider Dickson's definition for humility: The noble choice to forgo your status, deploy your resources or use your influence for the good of others before yourself. People who give to others seemingly without even thinking about it usually have a positive impression on us. We may not even realize at the time we're being impressed. But that's the thing, Dickson is saying. Humble people aren't trying to impress.
Steps to become (more) humble come at the end, and they seem to make good sense. Becoming humble, as with any virtue, comes with practice. As we say, it's a journey, not a destination. I was pleasantly surprised with Humilitas. That impression began when I read the author's dedication to his mentors, "who know more about this subject than I do, but would never presume to write about it."
This one will not only be a 'repeater' for me, but a reference book. I mean, after all, they took my medal away. I need all the help I can get. Happy reading.
"The most influential and inspiring people are often marked by humility" is Dickson's thesis for the book, and I believe he proved it well. The book digs into topics like the logic of humility; why the ancients didn't like the idea of humility; how humility lifts the people around us; why humility can generate abilities; and why humility is better than 'tolerance.' His research is nicely balanced with stories, some of them about his own encounters with humble people.
Several examples of great people who've demonstrated humility (and some who haven't) give insight into how we respond to leaders as we examine their character. It becomes clear that we all know someone who isn't necessarily in the public eye or in leadership who makes an excellent impression because of their humility. Those people may not even have great intelligence or great physical resources to draw on. It's more of a heart issue than a head issue.
Consider Dickson's definition for humility: The noble choice to forgo your status, deploy your resources or use your influence for the good of others before yourself. People who give to others seemingly without even thinking about it usually have a positive impression on us. We may not even realize at the time we're being impressed. But that's the thing, Dickson is saying. Humble people aren't trying to impress.
Steps to become (more) humble come at the end, and they seem to make good sense. Becoming humble, as with any virtue, comes with practice. As we say, it's a journey, not a destination. I was pleasantly surprised with Humilitas. That impression began when I read the author's dedication to his mentors, "who know more about this subject than I do, but would never presume to write about it."
This one will not only be a 'repeater' for me, but a reference book. I mean, after all, they took my medal away. I need all the help I can get. Happy reading.
February 27, 2020
"Humility is the noble choice to forgo your status, deploy your resources or use your influence for the good of others before yourself." (pg. 24)
"Humility...reminds us that we are small and incomplete and so urges us on toward the heights of artistic, scientific and societal endeavour." (pg. 120)
"I am increasingly convinced that a healthy self-worth is rooted far more in service than achievement, far more in giving than taking." (pg. 127)
I don't read many leadership books, but ambition has been on my mind recently, and this one was already sitting on our shelves. I thought it might be a healthy counterbalance to ambition. It is.
Dickson's friendly style and "I'm just figuring this out, too" approach made for a quick read...if I hadn't stopped to underline and ponder something on almost every page. He pulls in leaders and thinkers from various time periods, from the Greeks to Bill Gates. He also acknowledges the irony of writing a book about humility. Dickson is a Christ-follower, but you don't have to follow his faith to benefit from his insight and examples. He's also Australian, which makes for some unexpected spellings for the American reader.
If you're looking for a (maybe 'the') secret key to true, outstanding leadership, Dickson will show it to you. Even if you're not, you can learn some fantastic relationship principles that will apply across the spectrum.
If you like Malcolm Gladwell, you'll probably like this book.
"Humility...reminds us that we are small and incomplete and so urges us on toward the heights of artistic, scientific and societal endeavour." (pg. 120)
"I am increasingly convinced that a healthy self-worth is rooted far more in service than achievement, far more in giving than taking." (pg. 127)
I don't read many leadership books, but ambition has been on my mind recently, and this one was already sitting on our shelves. I thought it might be a healthy counterbalance to ambition. It is.
Dickson's friendly style and "I'm just figuring this out, too" approach made for a quick read...if I hadn't stopped to underline and ponder something on almost every page. He pulls in leaders and thinkers from various time periods, from the Greeks to Bill Gates. He also acknowledges the irony of writing a book about humility. Dickson is a Christ-follower, but you don't have to follow his faith to benefit from his insight and examples. He's also Australian, which makes for some unexpected spellings for the American reader.
If you're looking for a (maybe 'the') secret key to true, outstanding leadership, Dickson will show it to you. Even if you're not, you can learn some fantastic relationship principles that will apply across the spectrum.
If you like Malcolm Gladwell, you'll probably like this book.
May 25, 2024
Great little book on humility - tackling it from history, virtue, leadership, and practicality. Lots of great history, anecdotes, and helpful illustrations. Lots of fun!
Dickson, though a believer, doesn’t tackle it from the angle of faith. So this book, alongside Gavin Ortlund’s brief book Humility looking at humility from scripture and faith would be a great pairing for any Christian leader.
Dickson, though a believer, doesn’t tackle it from the angle of faith. So this book, alongside Gavin Ortlund’s brief book Humility looking at humility from scripture and faith would be a great pairing for any Christian leader.
September 9, 2013
His point in "How the humble are beautiful" (Chapter 4) is especially intriguing.
April 18, 2023
Really enjoyed this short book - listened on audio:
Notes:
Humility: the noble choice to use your power (forgo your status, deploy your resources or use your influence) for the good of others before yourself” (p. 24),
Leadership: the art of inspiring others in a team to contribute their best toward a goal
• Art, not a science of leadership
• Inspiring > influence (influence can include negative coercion)
• "Others in a team" = followers
• "contribute their best toward"
• Goal/ideal (leaders are idealist - they have a cognitive dissonance between what is now and a discontent to achieve it)
People naturally want to be lead, so that gives a natural momentum to the leader.
But if goal appears to be about the leader (ie ego), people withdraw. So goal needs to be outward focussed and leaders needs to be building others up and that effectively means celebrating others achievements
4 factors of leadership and how humility interacts:
1. Ability - leader has history of excellence/competence
○ Horizontal finitude: However, common senses to be humble, no one is expert in everything (despite the risk of competency extrapolation; Duning-Kruger effect; self-deception is ubiquitous )
○ Vertical finitude: seeing our finitude as we are small compared to God/the universe
○ Inspirational ability (greatness) mixed with humility (presents like a normal person) causes aspiration ("I can be like them") which leads to contributing best
2. Authority - structural power given/conferred/granted by organisation to an individual
○ Humility and self-esteem – those who are often the most protective, defensive, are often the most insecure. If you truly are secure in yourself, you don’t need to “big-note” yourself
3. Persuasion - ability to communicate and convince (priority)
○ Logos = intellect
○ Pathos = emotional/aesthetic (move audience via rhetoric)
○ Ethos = character, credibility/competency/integrity -> humility in character is the key to persuasion in leadership
4. Example - leader need character/trust (priority)
○ Pride repels, humility attracts disproportionately more (Note: an extension of cruciform value in the West is that we value the low and oppressed)
Humility, with conviction = hold views, but with a soft heart ≠ epistemic humility = which is to doubt one’s belief because of the diversity of views.
Notes:
Humility: the noble choice to use your power (forgo your status, deploy your resources or use your influence) for the good of others before yourself” (p. 24),
Leadership: the art of inspiring others in a team to contribute their best toward a goal
• Art, not a science of leadership
• Inspiring > influence (influence can include negative coercion)
• "Others in a team" = followers
• "contribute their best toward"
• Goal/ideal (leaders are idealist - they have a cognitive dissonance between what is now and a discontent to achieve it)
People naturally want to be lead, so that gives a natural momentum to the leader.
But if goal appears to be about the leader (ie ego), people withdraw. So goal needs to be outward focussed and leaders needs to be building others up and that effectively means celebrating others achievements
4 factors of leadership and how humility interacts:
1. Ability - leader has history of excellence/competence
○ Horizontal finitude: However, common senses to be humble, no one is expert in everything (despite the risk of competency extrapolation; Duning-Kruger effect; self-deception is ubiquitous )
○ Vertical finitude: seeing our finitude as we are small compared to God/the universe
○ Inspirational ability (greatness) mixed with humility (presents like a normal person) causes aspiration ("I can be like them") which leads to contributing best
2. Authority - structural power given/conferred/granted by organisation to an individual
○ Humility and self-esteem – those who are often the most protective, defensive, are often the most insecure. If you truly are secure in yourself, you don’t need to “big-note” yourself
3. Persuasion - ability to communicate and convince (priority)
○ Logos = intellect
○ Pathos = emotional/aesthetic (move audience via rhetoric)
○ Ethos = character, credibility/competency/integrity -> humility in character is the key to persuasion in leadership
4. Example - leader need character/trust (priority)
○ Pride repels, humility attracts disproportionately more (Note: an extension of cruciform value in the West is that we value the low and oppressed)
Humility, with conviction = hold views, but with a soft heart ≠ epistemic humility = which is to doubt one’s belief because of the diversity of views.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
November 18, 2017
This is an excellent book on the topic of humility. Well-worth reading.
Chapters-------
Introduction: Humility and How I Achieved It
CHAPTER 1: Thesis: What Is Humility and Why Does It Matter?
CHAPTER 2: Leadership: What It Is and How Humility Fits In
CHAPTER 3: Common Sense: The Logic of Humility
CHAPTER 4: Aesthetics: How the Humble Are Beautiful
CHAPTER 5: Philotimia: Why the Ancient World Didn’t Like Humility
CHAPTER 6: Cruciform: How a Jew from Nazareth Redefined Greatness
CHAPTER 7: Growth: Why Humility Generates Abilities
CHAPTER 8: Persuasion: How Character Determines Influence
CHAPTER 9: Inspiration: How Humility Lifts Those around Us
CHAPTER 10: Harmony: Why Humility Is Better Than “Tolerance”
CHAPTER 11: Steps: How It’s Possible to Become (More) Humble
The book blends common sense and common grace wisdom with biblical wisdom. This is to say it is not really a study of a thoroughly biblical doctrine of humility, but everything it says is consistent with biblical teaching (as well as getting into matters of Christianity in chapter 6).
The book is also filled with examples of humility. I've noticed this is a common theme on books that seek to teach virtue; it makes plenty of sense.
Good book.
Chapters-------
Introduction: Humility and How I Achieved It
CHAPTER 1: Thesis: What Is Humility and Why Does It Matter?
CHAPTER 2: Leadership: What It Is and How Humility Fits In
CHAPTER 3: Common Sense: The Logic of Humility
CHAPTER 4: Aesthetics: How the Humble Are Beautiful
CHAPTER 5: Philotimia: Why the Ancient World Didn’t Like Humility
CHAPTER 6: Cruciform: How a Jew from Nazareth Redefined Greatness
CHAPTER 7: Growth: Why Humility Generates Abilities
CHAPTER 8: Persuasion: How Character Determines Influence
CHAPTER 9: Inspiration: How Humility Lifts Those around Us
CHAPTER 10: Harmony: Why Humility Is Better Than “Tolerance”
CHAPTER 11: Steps: How It’s Possible to Become (More) Humble
The book blends common sense and common grace wisdom with biblical wisdom. This is to say it is not really a study of a thoroughly biblical doctrine of humility, but everything it says is consistent with biblical teaching (as well as getting into matters of Christianity in chapter 6).
The book is also filled with examples of humility. I've noticed this is a common theme on books that seek to teach virtue; it makes plenty of sense.
Good book.
October 11, 2023
“Noticing the inherent beauty of a thing is the first step in organizing. Our thoughts and actions around it.”
This book goes in depth about the history of the virtue of Humility. While I think it is a good read and one that does indeed help me in “noticing the inherent beauty of a thing”, I feel like it tries to spend too much time walking the line of being a book built for professionals trying to engage in better leadership and a self-help style book for the average person introspectively looking into their own need for more Humilitas.
Overall, I would recommend this book to just about anyone as I do find that learning the history and backstory of something creates a deeper connection to that subject. And, I don’t really have a better recommendation on this subject at the time.
It is also a very easy read and one I feel will stand firmer in time as the examples used are a bit more transcendent than some self help style books today as well.
This book goes in depth about the history of the virtue of Humility. While I think it is a good read and one that does indeed help me in “noticing the inherent beauty of a thing”, I feel like it tries to spend too much time walking the line of being a book built for professionals trying to engage in better leadership and a self-help style book for the average person introspectively looking into their own need for more Humilitas.
Overall, I would recommend this book to just about anyone as I do find that learning the history and backstory of something creates a deeper connection to that subject. And, I don’t really have a better recommendation on this subject at the time.
It is also a very easy read and one I feel will stand firmer in time as the examples used are a bit more transcendent than some self help style books today as well.
September 5, 2018
John Dickson has written a simple book about a profound virtue, humility. It is an easy read filled with common sense advice. Unfortunately it is not much more than common sense advice. This is not a philosophical, or theological work. It is practical, more a business book than anything else, akin to Purple Cow by Seth Godin or Who Moved My Cheese. While it grows out of the conviction that our admiration of humility is an inheritance of our Christian past and not something from the Greco-Roman antiquity, it is decidedly not a devotional book. True to the topic, Dickson shares the wisdom of others and is careful to note those who have taught him. This makes the book seem more like a summary than an original work. Dickson has the intellectual chops and experience to write a much "deeper" more obtuse book. He clearly has decided to make this work as accessible as possible.
December 25, 2019
A very accessible book on the subject of the virtue of humility. Dickson's thesis demonstrates that the pervasiveness and valuing of this virtue in modern western society is a direct result of Christianity and more specifically the life and teachings of Jesus Christ. Dickson is very familiar with Ancient societies and cultures and weaves this knowledge, together with his broader reading on leadership and psychology to show the great value of humility. Each chapter is brief and replete with real-life examples. For the Christian reader it should be noted that this is more of a 'culture' study than a 'bible' study. Dickson does not, for example, address every example of humility or pride from the Bible to make his points. Thus the book is more accessible to a wider public than simply a Christian audience.
August 10, 2017
A bit of a history book and dissertation on humility really. I enjoyed it but it was not really my cup of tea. A little hard to read after just finishing James Joyce, Dubliners. Too different for my brain to switch gears so suddenly, but a great, well researched book on the topic of humility and how it relates to the Christian faith. I don't doubt Dickson's assertions. I just wish I was more knowledgeable about the particulars of the discussion. I particularly enjoyed the practical last chapter on cultivating humility in an organization or individual. It was an excellent way to end the book, given the more than idealistic position Dickson gives humility, especially in regards to leadership and the Christian faith.
October 14, 2017
While visiting my in-laws here in Korea on a holiday my brother-in-law gave me this book after a late night conversation we had about apologetics. The author had visited his school and he enjoyed him. This book on humility sets the conversation of humility, as a cultural virtue and in leadership, in a historical context that hinges on the example of Christ. The historical analysis is thorough and definitely helps see how humility isn’t a given cultural virtue, it became or becomes one for specific reasons, stories and examples of heroes who demonstrated humility as victory, lowliness as virtue, and self forgetfulness as true power. Christ’s story is uniquely capable of this, is Dickson’s contention, I’d agree.
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