Meekness isn’t weakness – once considered positive, it’s one of the ‘undersung virtues’ that deserve defense today

The word ‘meekness’ might seem old-fashioned – and not a positive trait. But understanding its original meaning can identify an important virtue.

By: Timothy J. Pawl, University of St. Thomas, The Conversation

Outlets: The Conversation

Published: February 23, 2026

Words: 1,346

Last Updated: 10 hours, 2 minutes ago

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By Timothy J. Pawl, University of St. Thomas

What do you envision when you think of meekness?

You probably see a mousy doormat, someone sheepishly acquiescing to the will of the stronger. When Jesus says, “Blessed are the meek, for they shall inherit the earth,” you might think that those wimps will hand it over without a whimper or word of objection to stronger, more ambitious people. The philosopher Friedrich Nietzsche called meekness “craven …

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