The more noble the more humble.
The more noble the more humble.
Meaning in plain English
Greater standing can be accompanied by greater humility rather than entitlement. The saying presents an ideal of conduct, without proving that rank establishes virtue or that someone without status has less reason to be respected.
Example
A well-regarded speaker credits the researchers who supplied the material and welcomes a correction to an error in the presentation.
Deeper explanation and when to use it
The proverb connects nobility with humility, reversing the expectation that a high position should produce a claim to superiority. A useful reading applies the ideal to responsibility or achievement: someone with influence can listen, acknowledge help and remain open to correction. The word noble need not become a fixed social classification or a judgement that a title proves character. Humility also does not require hiding a contribution or accepting unfair treatment. The saying is most useful as an expectation about how influence is used, not as evidence that a particular prominent person is already virtuous.
When to use it
Use it when influence or achievement is being paired with consideration and openness.
Keep in mind
Status does not prove humility or worth; judge actual conduct and preserve fair acknowledgement.
Edsverb editorial interpretation · agent reviewed · 2026-10-05. This explains the saying; it does not establish its historical origin.
- Source
- A Dictionary of English Proverbs and Proverbial Phrases
Entry 1151 · Noble
Read the original context ↗ - Attribution confidence
- traditional · historical anthology
Preserved as printed; independently unverified. - Historical coordinate
- Undated
No reliable date supplied by the collection. - Rights & edition
- Public domain (United States)
Translations and rights may differ elsewhere.
Provenance and licences ↗