My Short Discourse on Humility
A short discourse on humility, from the perspective of a Secular Franciscan-Lawyer-Sociologist, humility is both an internal disposition and a social practice that reflects Franciscan spirituality, legal ethics, and sociological insight into power dynamics and social structures.
1. Humility in Franciscan Spirituality: Recognizing Radical Dependence on God
From a Secular Franciscan, humility is deeply rooted in acknowledging one’s radical dependence on God. St. Francis of Assisi embodied this in his life, consistently seeing himself as a “minor” or lesser one, which reflects his desire to emulate the humility of Christ (St. Francis, The Testament). Humility in the Franciscan tradition isn’t self-deprecation but an authentic awareness of one’s place within creation, a sense of fraternity with all beings, and a renunciation of power in favor of service to others (Delio, The Humility of God).
2. Legal Humility: Embracing the Law as a Vocation of Service
In my legal profession, humility might appear contradictory given the emphasis on mastery, persuasion, and often adversarial stances. However, a truly humble lawyer sees the practice of law as a vocation to serve justice, particularly for the marginalized and voiceless, rather than merely as a platform for personal success. St. Thomas More, the patron saint of lawyers, provides a model of humility in law by prioritizing conscience over career, underscoring the importance of subordinating personal ambition to ethical principles (Ackroyd, The Life of Thomas More). “I am the King Faithful Servant but God first.” — St. Thomas More, a Secular Franciscan Saint.
A Secular Franciscan lawyer, in this light, would be conscious of legal representation not merely as advocacy but as a form of stewardship and a reflection of justice grounded in humility. This aligns with legal ethics by emphasizing truth and respect for the law as a communal tool for social good rather than a weapon for personal or institutional gain.
3. Sociological Perspective: Humility in Power Dynamics and Social Structures
From a sociological perspective, humility is also a way to recognize and critique one’s position within structures of power and privilege. Pierre Bourdieu’s concept of habitus illustrates how individuals are embedded in social structures that shape perceptions, behaviors, and self-worth (Bourdieu, Distinction). For a Secular Franciscan-Lawyer-Sociologist, humility involves a reflective examination of how one’s professional and social roles may perpetuate inequalities, prompting an active response to power imbalances. Humility becomes a conscious refusal to exploit privilege, instead striving to empower others, especially those on the social margins.
4. Application of Humility in Societal Transformation
In practice, humility from this tripartite perspective means working for societal transformation in a way that respects others’ dignity and promotes communal well-being. A Secular Franciscan-Lawyer-Sociologist like myself, therefore, advocates policies and laws that uplift the disadvantaged, integrating a Franciscan sensitivity to creation and a sociological awareness of structures that often marginalize.
Humility, then, becomes a guiding principle for both personal conduct and professional responsibility, fostering an ethic of solidarity and service rather than dominance. It compels the individual to adopt an approach to law and society that champions equity and fraternity, reflecting a commitment to transform social systems in ways that honor the intrinsic value of every person and the interconnectedness of all creation. This vision is consistent with Pope Francis’ call to “work humbly in justice and truth for the common good” (Evangelii Gaudium, no. 218).
By combining spirituality, law, and sociology, a Secular Franciscan-Lawyer-Sociologist’s short discourse on humility emphasizes it as a powerful, holistic virtue — one that seeks justice, respects the autonomy of others, and pursues the common good, grounded in the knowledge that true leadership and service are rooted in humility.
