Humility (humilitas)

In the sixth window, the final intellectual virtue presented is Humility, the indispensable precondition for all genuine learning and understanding. Rachel, shown here as she prepares, servant-like, to offer her hospitality to the fugitive Jacob before watering her father's flock, becomes in time the beautiful wife of Jacob and mother of Joseph and Benjamin. She is a traditional symbol of both the humble and the contemplative life. Rachel's many barren years before the birth of Joseph suggest the trials and long-suffering that are overcome through humility. St. Bernard of Clairvaux (1090-1153), the author of The Steps of Humility and Pride, understood well not only how pride impedes knowledge and learning, but also how transformative and necessary humility is, in order to understand oneself, others, and God.

Intellectual Virtues
•Wisdom
•Knowledge
•Understanding
•Prudence
•Art
•Humility

Theological & Moral Virtues
•Justice