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Matthew Stanley's avatar

I feel that 'humility' still hasn't been properly located in this discussion (and by bringing that up I'm certainly not claiming to have the answer). Justin says that "Aristotle, in the first systematic treatment of the virtue, says that the magnanimous man 'believes himself worthy of great things, and is worthy of them.'” He then goes on to claim that "it is that virtue that allows you to do what is praiseworthy and honorable, even if you are not, in fact, praised or honored for having done it."

He goes on to explain this by reference to the idea that the Christian seeks honor in the eyes of God, not of society or other humans primarily. But this raises of the question of how one receives honor in God's eyes -- is it by doing things? We are back in the territory of the grace/works debate, wondering about what Christ's sacrifice does in the economy of salvation and what our actions mean in light of our union with Him.

Returning from those thorny issues to the question of humility though, where does it fit into this broader schema? Aristotle's magnanimous man who "believes himself worthy of great things" seems antithetical to the humble man, who considers himself worthy of nothing save what God in His fatherly love gives to him day by day. This is not a burning self-hatred (which is an expression of pride or despair), but a realization that one has no claim to assert upon God or upon society for any particular thing, save only that we cry for mercy.

Thanks for sharing this correspondence with us. It's tight, informative, and packs a punch. I especially enjoyed hearing de Tocqueville's observations about the deficiencies of American men and their democracy. I recognize myself and others in his words.

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Andrew Berg's avatar

I appreciated Hawkins’ article in Plough so this follow-up interview was really helpful. Thanks for reaching out to him!

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