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@ Vhtech777
2025-06-08 23:12:20
Bible Verse Luke 18:14 (KJV):
> “I tell you, this man went down to his house justified rather than the other: for every one that exalteth himself shall be abased; and he that humbleth himself shall be exalted.”
— is a declaration of Jesus in the parable of the Pharisee and the tax collector. This verse speaks about genuine humility and hypocritical moral pride.
From a philosophical perspective, this verse can be approached from various schools of thought:
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1. Ethics
Kant – The philosopher Immanuel Kant emphasized that a “good will” is the foundation of morality. In this case, the tax collector is “justified” not because of his external actions, but because of his inner sincerity and humility – that is, he possesses true good will.
On the other hand, the Pharisee, despite performing moral acts such as fasting, praying, and tithing, expresses self-righteousness – something Kant would see as lacking true moral worth, because it does not stem from good will, but from pride and arrogance.
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2. Existentialism
Kierkegaard – a Christian existentialist, would argue that the tax collector lived with authenticity, daring to stand before God in anxiety and repentance, while the Pharisee lived in the illusion of self-righteousness.
Humility here is the act of daring to confront one’s true self, rather than hiding behind social roles – and this is the first step for humans to approach the Absolute.
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3. Classical Greek Philosophy
Socrates often emphasized that “knowing that one knows nothing” is the foundation of wisdom. The tax collector acknowledged his flaws and limitations – which reflects genuine self-awareness.
Conversely, the Pharisee falls into hybris (excessive pride) – which Greek philosophers warned would inevitably lead to nemesis (divine retribution or downfall).
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4. Buddhist Philosophy (comparative perspective)
In Buddhism, conceit or pride (māna) is one of the three roots of suffering (the “three poisons”). The act of “exalting oneself” is a clear expression of ego-clinging.
The tax collector in this parable could be compared to someone practicing mindful introspection, observing the body and mind, perceiving impermanence and non-self – from which arises humility, and the path toward liberation opens.
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Philosophical Conclusion
> “He that humbleth himself shall be exalted” – is not merely a moral teaching, but also a philosophical principle about the reversal between illusion and truth:
Those who perceive themselves as exalted and righteous may, in fact, be far from the truth.
Those who recognize their weakness and faults, if sincere, may already be on the path to enlightenment.
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