Humility is considered one of the most challenging virtues because it demands deep self-awareness, the recognition of one’s own inadequacies, and a constant struggle against the natural inclination toward pride and self-importance.

The Long Journey Toward Humility

Humility is considered one of the most challenging virtues because it demands deep self-awareness, the recognition of one’s own inadequacies, and a constant struggle against the natural inclination toward pride and self-importance. It is not merely an outward show of submissiveness but an inner transformation achieved through acknowledging one’s shortcomings, renouncing self-assertion, and continually striving for humility even under the toughest circumstances.

For example, one source clearly explains that humility does not arise automatically—it requires a prolonged and often painful process of taming one’s vanity and pride.

The text states: "Having read about humility, you have learned that it is not within you, and in its place, vanity has taken over; do you wish to learn how to acquire it?

You are very often presented with lessons in humility; learn to humble yourself even in the face of rebukes; but this celestial virtue is not obtained without effort and only over a long period. Failing to achieve it, you even more should humble yourself and recognize your poverty; in time, you will humble yourself..." (source: link txt).

Furthermore, acquiring humility is linked to the need for patience and overcoming life’s hardships, a task not easily accomplished by everyone. Another excerpt emphasizes that to gain true humility, one must endure not only external difficulties but also internal battles with one’s pride and egocentrism:
"To ascend to heaven, a person simply needs to humble themselves, to acquire spiritual poverty. Therefore, by enduring themselves, their circumstances, and their sinful nature, a person gradually enters that blessed state—they learn to endure, and through the lesson of endurance, gradually acquire humility." (source: link txt).

Thus, humility is not just passive compliance but a conscious and prolonged effort to overcome pride—a challenging inner choice that requires constant struggle and self-sacrifice. This quality tests the human spirit, as it demands recognition of one’s vulnerability and persistent self-improvement, which is far from easy for everyone.