Have you ever wondered what humility really means in the life of a Christian? Is it about being quiet and self-effacing, or is there something deeper? One of the most beloved Christian authors of the modern era, C S Lewis, gave us a quote that beautifully captures the heart of true humility:
“Humility is not thinking less of yourself, but thinking of yourself less.”
This single sentence has encouraged millions to rethink what it means to live like Jesus. It gently shifts our focus from self-deprecation to Christ-centered service. But what exactly did Lewis mean, and how can we apply this wisdom to our lives today?
Let’s explore this together and discover how humility transforms hearts, heals relationships, and draws us closer to God.
What CS Lewis Says About Humility
When C S Lewis spoke about humility, he wanted people to understand that being humble does not mean putting yourself down. It is not about believing you are worthless or pretending to be small. Instead, it is about freedom from self-preoccupation.
Lewis believed that when we stop obsessing over how we appear, what others think of us, or how we measure up, we make room in our hearts for God and others. Humility is about redirecting your focus from yourself to love and service.
In his book Mere Christianity, Lewis wrote extensively about pride and humility, describing pride as the “great sin” that distances us from God. Pride, he said, is the root of all evil because it centers everything around the self. But humility opens the soul to grace, peace, and truth.
So for Lewis, humility is not weakness. It is strength under God’s control. It is peace that comes from knowing your worth is secure in Christ.
What Is a Popular Quote About Humility?
While Lewis’s quote is perhaps the most famous modern saying about humility, many others have shared similar wisdom. Here are a few timeless ones:
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“True humility is not thinking meanly of yourself; it is not thinking of yourself at all.” — William Temple
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“He must increase, but I must decrease.” — John 3:30
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“Humility is the fear of the Lord; its wages are riches and honor and life.” — Proverbs 22:4
Each of these quotes points back to the same truth that Lewis expressed: humility is not about being invisible; it is about being Christ-focused.
When you see yourself through God’s eyes, you realize you are deeply loved, yet you are not the center of the universe. That perspective brings peace and balance.
What Was CS Lewis's Famous Quote?
C S Lewis was known for many powerful quotes that continue to inspire readers today. But when it comes to humility, his most famous line remains:
“Humility is not thinking less of yourself, but thinking of yourself less.”
This quote became so well-known because it feels both practical and profound. It teaches us that humility is not about insecurity, but about perspective.
When you think of yourself less, you make space for God’s presence to fill your mind and actions. You become more compassionate, patient, and kind.
This truth can transform marriages, friendships, and even workplaces. When we serve others without seeking recognition, we mirror the humility of Christ, who said, “The Son of Man came not to be served but to serve” (Matthew 20:28).
Did CS Lewis Believe in Inerrancy?
C S Lewis believed deeply in the authority and inspiration of Scripture, but his understanding of biblical inerrancy was not identical to modern evangelical definitions.
He accepted that the Bible was divinely inspired, meaning God guided the authors to communicate His truth faithfully. However, Lewis also believed that human writers expressed that truth through their own language, culture, and limitations.
To Lewis, the purpose of Scripture was not scientific precision or historical detail, but spiritual revelation. Its goal is to lead us to salvation through Jesus Christ and to show us God’s heart.
He once wrote, “God speaks to us through Scripture, using human words as a vehicle of divine truth.”
This means Lewis fully trusted the Bible’s message and its divine source, even if he acknowledged its human form.
Did CS Lewis Think Jesus Was God?
Yes, absolutely. C S Lewis firmly believed that Jesus is God, and he defended this truth passionately.
In Mere Christianity, he gave one of the most famous arguments in Christian apologetics, often called the “Liar, Lunatic, or Lord” argument. Lewis said:
“A man who was merely a man and said the sort of things Jesus said would not be a great moral teacher. He would either be a lunatic or else he would be the Devil of Hell. You must make your choice. Either this man was, and is, the Son of God, or else a madman or something worse.”
For Lewis, the deity of Christ was non-negotiable. Jesus was not just a good example or wise teacher. He was and is the living God who humbled Himself for the sake of love.
This belief is at the very heart of the humility Lewis describes. Because Jesus, though divine, chose to take on human flesh and serve others, humility became the highest expression of godly character.
Which Bible Did CS Lewis Read?
C S Lewis primarily read the King James Version (KJV) of the Bible, as it was the standard translation of his time. He admired its poetic beauty and rich language, often quoting it in his writings and lectures.
He also used the Revised Standard Version (RSV) for study purposes, appreciating its accuracy and clarity.
Lewis viewed reading the Bible not as an academic task, but as a spiritual encounter. He once advised Christians to read Scripture with “a sense of awe and attention,” listening for the living Word behind the printed words.
His deep reverence for Scripture shaped his thoughts on humility as well. Reading the Bible, he believed, should lead to self-forgetfulness and greater love for God.
Did Martin Luther Believe in Inerrancy?
Martin Luther, the great reformer of the sixteenth century, strongly believed in the authority of Scripture. For him, the Bible was the final and ultimate guide for faith and practice.
However, like Lewis, Luther focused more on the message of salvation than on technical precision. He said, “The Bible is the cradle wherein Christ is laid.”
That means the purpose of Scripture is to reveal Jesus, not to satisfy intellectual curiosity.
Luther’s approach reminds us that humility is essential in studying the Bible. We do not come to Scripture to master it, but to be mastered by it.
When we open the Word of God with a humble heart, we become teachable, just as Jesus said in Matthew 11:29, “Learn from me, for I am gentle and humble in heart.”
Does CS Lewis Believe in Calvinism?
C S Lewis respected many aspects of Christian theology, including those found in Calvinism, but he did not identify strictly as a Calvinist.
While he believed in the sovereignty of God and the reality of divine grace, he also emphasized human choice and responsibility.
In Lewis’s view, God’s grace does not eliminate our free will; it transforms it. He often used storytelling to explain this mystery. In The Great Divorce and The Chronicles of Narnia, we see characters freely choosing to accept or reject God’s love, showing that love must be voluntary to be real.
Lewis saw both divine sovereignty and human freedom as part of God’s beautiful design, and humility helps us accept that mystery without needing to control or explain everything.
Learning Humility Through Christ’s Example
C S Lewis’s quote on humility mirrors the life of Jesus. Philippians 2:5-8 says:
“Let this mind be in you which was also in Christ Jesus: who, being in the form of God, did not consider equality with God something to be grasped, but made himself of no reputation, taking the form of a servant.”
Jesus showed us that humility is not about denial of power, but about submission to love.
He could have ruled from a throne, yet He chose a cross. He could have demanded honor, yet He washed feet.
Humility, then, is the key to experiencing the heart of God.
A Real-Life Reflection on Humility
There was once a Christian leader who struggled with pride in ministry. He often compared his work to others and felt frustrated when he was not recognized. One morning, during prayer, he came across the C S Lewis humility quote.
It pierced his heart.
He realized that true humility was not about being unnoticed but about being free from needing to be noticed.
From that moment, his approach to ministry changed. He began to serve quietly, celebrate others, and rest in God’s approval. Peace replaced pressure.
His story shows how Lewis’s words can bring deep healing and freedom when lived out in daily faith.
Practical Steps to Develop Humility
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Start your day with surrender. Begin each morning by saying, “Lord, let me think of You and others before myself today.”
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Celebrate others’ success. When you genuinely rejoice in someone else’s blessing, pride loses its grip.
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Ask for correction. A humble heart welcomes feedback without defensiveness.
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Serve quietly. Do something good that no one will see but God.
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Stay in Scripture. The Word of God reshapes pride into praise.
Each of these practices helps us embody the humility that C S Lewis admired and Jesus modeled.
A Prayer for Humility
Father, thank You for showing me through Your Son what true humility looks like. Help me to think of myself less and love others more. Teach me to walk in gentleness, serve with joy, and live in constant awareness of Your grace. In Jesus’ name, Amen.
Final Reflection
C S Lewis’s humility quote continues to guide believers because it captures the essence of Christlike living.
When we stop centering our thoughts around ourselves and start focusing on God and others, we find joy, peace, and freedom.
Humility does not make you smaller; it makes your heart larger. It helps you see life from heaven’s point of view.
So the next time pride whispers in your ear, remember Lewis’s timeless words:
“Humility is not thinking less of yourself, but thinking of yourself less.”
That is where love begins and where true greatness is found.
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