Morning Briefings

In short, we’re learning the hard way that virtues like prudence, temperance, thrift, promise-keeping, honesty and humility–not to mention a willingness not to do to others what we wouldn’t want them to do us–can’t be optional-extras in communities that value economic freedom. If markets are going to work and appropriate limits on government power maintained, then society requires substantial reserves of moral capital.

– Samuel Gregg
No Morality, No Markets

We often worry about our position and status, hoping to get proper recognition for what we do. But God’s recognition counts more than human praise.

– The One Year Book of Bible Readings

Who is wise and understanding among you? Let him show it by his good life, by deeds done in humility that comes from wisdom.

– James 3:13
King James Version

I have often been forced to my knees by the overwhelming conviction that there was no place else to go.

– Abraham Lincoln

You know, Lord. You knew yesterday who I would be today, and you know today who I’ll be tomorrow. Maybe I don’t need to know myself as well as I thought.

– Maribeth Walker
A Moment With God for Graduates: Prayers for Every Graduate

Somebody with humility must have learned how to handle their own emotions and how to touch the goodwill of other people in order to involve others in the project of building greatness. Then the will to greatness captures the energies of other people, rather than antagonize them.

– Abbot Christopher Jamison
Finding Sanctuary: Monastic Steps for Everyday Life

The business world is often taken to be the place above all others where humility is seen as a liability rather than an asset. Yet the research by [Good to Great author] Collins and his team shows that this is not the case. They show that humility is a necessary quality in a CEO for a business to excel.

– Abbot Christopher Jamison
Finding Sanctuary: Monastic Steps for Everyday Life

Giving up command is never easy. But it may prove especially difficult for the large number of baby boomers, accustomed to working hard in a fast-paced economy. The oldest among them will turn 62 next year and will begin to face the difficulties involved with passing the baton.

– The Wall Street Journal, September 4, 2007
How Do You Quit Your Life’s Work? A Retiring Boss Struggles with Transferring Control

Ethical behavior defines who you really are. If you believe in God, isn’t doing the right thing, honesty, accountability, transparency, humility and consistency all supposed to be our behavioral standard every day because He sees all?

– Mike Paul
The Reputation Doctor

The work of Beethoven and the work of a charwoman become spiritual on precisely the same condition, that of being offered to God. This does not, of course, mean that it is for anyone a mere toss-up whether he should sweep floors or compose symphonies. We are members of one body, but different members, each with his own vocation.

– C.S. Lewis
The Weight of Glory