Blog Posts

Hello WCA family!

This is the second of 9 posts discussing a little bit about each of the Intellectual Virtues and how you can continue to focus on them at home!

Once again, there are 9 Intellectual Virtues divided into 3 categories: (1) Getting Started, (2) Executing Well, and (3) Handling Challenges. We are currently in our series working through the first category called Getting Started which contains the virtues of CURIOSITY, HUMILITY, and AUTONOMY. Last week we spoke about curiosity. So here we go!

The second of our extremely important habits we can help children develop is intellectual humility. Intellectual Humility is the willingness to recognize that we do not know everything and that we can still learn from others. Intellectual humility does not mean thinking poorly of ourselves or lacking confidence. Rather, it means being honest about the limits of our knowledge and remaining open to growth. Also remember that virtues operate on what Aristotle called The Golden Mean; that in our fallen world, for each virtue there are 2 vices…the vice of excess and the vice of deficit. In this case, the vice of deficit would be a lack of humility, or being overly cocky. The vice of excess would be overly humble to the point that you cannot even understand that you DO KNOW things and that God HAS GIFTED you…constantly down on yourself to a degree that is unnatural.

At Warner Christian Academy, we encourage students to approach learning with intellectual humility; the kinds that say, “Man…I don't know this! But it's ok because that's why I'm here; to learn! Let's buckle up and get started!” Students grow when they are willing to ask questions, admit confusion, and listen carefully to others. Intellectual humility creates an environment where learning can truly take place because students are free to say, “I don’t understand yet,” or “I might be wrong.”

In a world where people often feel pressure to appear certain or to always have the right answer, humility can sometimes be misunderstood as weakness. In reality, it is a sign of strength. Students who are intellectually humble are more willing to seek truth, listen to different perspectives, and adjust their thinking when they learn something new. The students hear me say this all the time, but remember, if you’re not willing to be corrected, then you’re not willing to get closer to the Truth! And Truth is a person; the person of Jesus. We should be willing to learn because getting closer to Truth is getting closer to Jesus…and that’s a good thing!

At home, intellectual humility is often formed through everyday conversations. When children see adults admit mistakes, ask questions, and remain open to learning, they begin to understand that growth is a lifelong process. These small moments help children realize that the goal is not to always be right, but to pursue what is true.

One simple way to encourage intellectual humility at home is to model the phrase, “I might be wrong.” When discussing a topic or solving a problem together, try saying something like, “This is what I think, but I could be mistaken. What do you think?” This helps children learn that thoughtful people hold their ideas with both confidence and humility.

Another powerful practice is admitting when you do not know something. Saying, “I’m not sure, let’s find out together,” shows children that learning is a shared journey rather than a performance.
Scripture reminds us that humility is essential to wisdom. Proverbs 11:2 says, “When pride comes, then comes disgrace, but with humility comes wisdom.” God honors those who approach learning with humble hearts.

Conversation starter:
“Can you think of a time when you learned something new because you realized you didn’t understand something before?”

This week at home:

• Practice: When you don’t know an answer to a question, explore it together rather than rushing to a quick response.
• Model: Let your child hear you say “I might be wrong” or “I don’t know yet.”
• Pray: “Lord, give us humble hearts that are always willing to learn and grow in Your truth.”

As we nurture intellectual humility together—at school and at home—we help students develop a posture that values Truth more than simply being right. When children learn to think with humility, they become more teachable, more thoughtful, and more prepared to pursue wisdom throughout their lives.

Feel free to add comments on your at home family practices in practicing Intellectual Humility; or the other virtues!

Soli Deo Gloria