Humility can be described as an exceptionally stern and courageous sort of integrity and intellectual honesty. It is considered one of the seven heavenly virtues (as opposed to the seven deadly sins). In his writings, La Rochefoucauld mentions it as the primary virtue of a Christian -- more important than forgiveness or belief (see La Rochefoucauld’s
Maximes on Humility, below).
Hermeneutics is derived from the Greek word ἑρμηνεύω (hermeneuō, 'translate' or 'interpret'). It was introduced into philosophy mainly through the title of Aristotle’s work On Interpretation, commonly referred to by its Latin title De Interopretatione. It is one of the earliest (c. 360 B.C.) extant philosophical works in the Western tradition to deal with the relationship between language and logic in a comprehensive, explicit, and formal way.
The early usage of "hermeneutics" places it within the boundaries of the sacred. A divine message must be received with implicit uncertainty regarding its truth. This ambiguity is an irrationality; it is a sort of madness that is inflicted upon the receiver of the message. Only one who possesses a rational method of interpretation (i.e., a hermeneutic) could determine the truth or falsity of the message.
Folk etymology places its origin with Hermes, the mythological Greek deity who was the 'messenger of the gods'. Besides being a mediator between the gods and between the gods and men, he led souls to the underworld upon death.
Hermes was also considered to be the inventor of language and speech, an interpreter, a liar, a thief, and a trickster. These multiple roles made Hermes an ideal representative figure for hermeneutics. As Socrates noted, words have the power to reveal or conceal and can deliver messages in an ambiguous way. The Greek view of language as consisting of signs that could lead to truth or to falsehood was the essence of Hermes, who was said to relish the uneasiness of those who received the messages he delivered.
-- Hoy, David Couzen (1981). The Critical Circle.University of California
A description of humility
As one of the seven heavenly virtues described in Wikipedia
[at http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Humility_(virtue)]:
Modest behavior, selflessness, and
the giving of respect. Humility is not thinking less of yourself, it is
thinking of yourself less. It is a spirit of self-examination; a hermeneutic*
of suspicion toward yourself and charity toward people you disagree with. The courage
of the heart necessary to undertake tasks which are difficult, tedious or
unglamorous, and to graciously accept the sacrifices involved. Reverence for
those who have wisdom and those who selflessly teach in love. Giving credit
where credit is due; not unfairly glorifying one's own self. Being faithful to
promises, no matter how big or small they may be. Refraining from despair and
the ability to confront fear and uncertainty, or intimidation .
--Robert
Grosseteste II Dicta
(The “Electronic Grosseteste” has all
141 Dicta online in Latin)
= = = = = = = = = *Hermeneutics
from Wikipedia = = = = = = = = =
Etymology
Hermeneutics is derived from the Greek word ἑρμηνεύω (hermeneuō, 'translate' or 'interpret'). It was introduced into philosophy mainly through the title of Aristotle’s work On Interpretation, commonly referred to by its Latin title De Interopretatione. It is one of the earliest (c. 360 B.C.) extant philosophical works in the Western tradition to deal with the relationship between language and logic in a comprehensive, explicit, and formal way.
The early usage of "hermeneutics" places it within the boundaries of the sacred. A divine message must be received with implicit uncertainty regarding its truth. This ambiguity is an irrationality; it is a sort of madness that is inflicted upon the receiver of the message. Only one who possesses a rational method of interpretation (i.e., a hermeneutic) could determine the truth or falsity of the message.
-- Grondin, Jean (1994). Introduction to
Philosophical Hermeneutics. Yale
University
Folk Etymology
Folk etymology places its origin with Hermes, the mythological Greek deity who was the 'messenger of the gods'. Besides being a mediator between the gods and between the gods and men, he led souls to the underworld upon death.
Hermes was also considered to be the inventor of language and speech, an interpreter, a liar, a thief, and a trickster. These multiple roles made Hermes an ideal representative figure for hermeneutics. As Socrates noted, words have the power to reveal or conceal and can deliver messages in an ambiguous way. The Greek view of language as consisting of signs that could lead to truth or to falsehood was the essence of Hermes, who was said to relish the uneasiness of those who received the messages he delivered.
-- Hoy, David Couzen (1981). The Critical Circle.
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Hermeneutic
LXXVI.—Many persons wish to be devout; but no one wishes to be humble.
LXXIX.—Humility is the altar upon which God wishes that we should offer him his sacrifices.
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La Rochefoucauld’s Maximes on
Humility
254.—Humility is often a
feigned submission which we employ to supplant others. It is one of the devices
of Pride to lower us to raise us; and truly pride transforms itself in a
thousand ways, and is never so well disguised and more able to deceive than when
it hides itself under the form of humility.
358.—Humility is the
true proof of Christian virtues; without it we retain all our faults, and they
are only covered by pride to hide them from others, and often from ourselves.
From the third supplement:
LXXVI.—Many persons wish to be devout; but no one wishes to be humble.
LXXIX.—Humility is the altar upon which God wishes that we should offer him his sacrifices.
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