The Seer of Lublin: Humility About Our Own Virtue

People who are worthless, but who are aware of their worthlessness, are better than virtuous people who are aware of their virtue.

Attribution printed on the image: The Seer of Lublin

A reflection on the teaching

The severe word “worthless” is preserved from the image. A constructive reading of the saying concerns awareness of shortcomings and the danger of pride in virtue; it should not become a label for a person's human worth. Someone willing to admit a fault has a place to begin. Someone satisfied with his goodness may resist correction. We can use the contrast to ask where we have become too certain of ourselves. Name one area in which advice might help, and listen without needing to defend the entire picture of who you are.

Source note: The attribution above is transcribed from the image. The exact source and English wording have not been independently verified.