Resisting the Less Important: Aquinas on Modesty
In this paper, I present Thomas’ understanding of modesty as a holistic resistance to substitutes for genuine greatness. To assist in teasing out the distinctive properties of modesty, I propose further to contrast and compare modesty with Aquinas’ discussions on vanity and magnanimity respectively. This may seem a strange medley of virtues and vices to consider concurrently, but all three are linked in delineating how to pursue depth and greatness, while avoiding shallowness. As I argue in the conclusion, in the current atmosphere of communications technology, Thomas’ understanding of modesty - and its inseparability from magnanimity - takes on a special urgency
Downloadable Article, 2017