What Is Humility? Franklin's Thirteenth and Final Virtue

Benjamin Franklin's thirteenth and final virtue is perhaps his most paradoxical: Humility. It was added last, after a friend pointed out Franklin's pride—and Franklin admitted he never truly mastered it.

His definition—"Imitate Jesus and Socrates"—points to two exemplars of wisdom delivered without arrogance. Their example, Franklin believed, was the model for genuine humility.

Key Takeaways

• Franklin defined humility as: "Imitate Jesus and Socrates."
• This was the last virtue added, after a Quaker friend pointed out Franklin's pride
• Franklin admitted he never achieved true humility—even becoming proud of acting humble
• Intellectual humility (knowing you might be wrong) is the most practical form

What Did Benjamin Franklin Say About Humility?

"Imitate Jesus and Socrates."

This is Franklin's shortest precept—and perhaps his deepest. Rather than defining humility abstractly, he points to exemplars: two teachers who possessed profound wisdom yet delivered it without arrogance.

The Quaker's Critique

Franklin was prompted to add humility when "a Quaker friend... kindly informed me that I was generally thought proud." Franklin was unaware of this perception—itself a form of pride. The Quaker's honest feedback became a gift.

Franklin's Honest Admission

"In reality, there is, perhaps, no one of our natural passions so hard to subdue as pride... For, even if I could conceive that I had completely overcome it, I should probably be proud of my humility."

This candid paradox—becoming proud of humility—reveals Franklin's depth of self-knowledge. He recognized that humility is unlike other virtues: the moment you think you've achieved it, you haven't.

The Ancient Wisdom on Humility

Socrates: I Know That I Know Nothing

Socrates exemplified intellectual humility. The Oracle at Delphi called him wisest in Athens, which puzzled him. He concluded the Oracle was right—not because he knew much, but because he knew he knew nothing:

"The only true wisdom is in knowing you know nothing."

Lao Tzu: Water Wisdom

"Water is fluid, soft, and yielding. But water will wear away rock, which is rigid and cannot yield."

Lao Tzu saw humility as strength appearing weak—water that overcomes stone.

C.S. Lewis: Forgetting Oneself

"Humility is not thinking less of yourself, but thinking of yourself less."

What Makes Franklin's Approach Different?

Exemplars Over Definitions

Rather than defining humility, Franklin points to living examples. This is pedagogically wise: humility is easier recognized than described. We know it when we see it in Jesus and Socrates.

The Appearance of Humility

Franklin settled for humble behavior even when true humility eluded him. He trained himself to avoid direct contradiction, to use phrases like "I conceive" instead of "certainly." The practice, even if imperfect, improved his relationships.

Practical Benefits

Franklin noted that humble behavior—regardless of inner state—produced concrete benefits: better conversations, more influence, less conflict. Even "pretended" humility has practical value.

Humility in the Modern World

The Personal Brand Era

Modern life rewards self-promotion. Social media encourages curating impressive personas. Humility seems professionally costly. Yet truly secure people don't need constant validation—and humble leaders build stronger teams.

How to Practice Humility Today

1. Seek feedback — Actively ask how you might be wrong or improve
2. Credit others — Acknowledge contributions; share spotlight
3. Stay curious — Assume you have much to learn from everyone
4. Soften language — Use "I think" instead of "obviously"
5. Admit mistakes — Own errors quickly and publicly

Track your practice using the Ben Franklin Virtues app.

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• The Complete List of Franklin's 13 Virtues