The Twelve Degrees of Humility and Pride Book by St. Bernard of Clairvaux

The Twelve Degrees of Humility and Pride Book by St. Bernard of Clairvaux In his masterful 12th-century work, The Twelve Degrees of Humility and Pride, St. Bernard of Clairvaux—the “Doctor Mellifluus” or “Honey-Sweet Doctor”— eloquently crafts a soul’s guide to spiritual ascent and descent. With his deep understanding of human nature and his own monastic experience, St. Bernard outlines a path that leads away from the self-deception of pride towards the liberating embrace of humility. St. Bernard illustrates humility as the foundation of a life anchored in truth, where self-knowledge and the recognition of God’s greatness kindle the desire for inner transformation. In contrast, pride is depicted as a deceptive force, leading one away from God and into the isolation of self-importance. The saint’s discerning eye lays bare the subtle gradations between these two extremes, offering a ladder of spiritual progression for the earnest seeker. For nearly a millennium, the ”honey-sweet” words