Presumption and despair are opposite deadly sins. We hear a lot about despair, and the need for hope; but what is presumption?

If humility were not self-forgetfulness, any virtuous person would have the practical dilemma of either directing his attention to his own virtue, which naturally leads to pride, or denying it, which would be a lie.

The root of pride is found to consist in man not being in some way subject to God and His rule.

Pride is really very simple. It is the attitude of the spoiled brat: "I want what I want when I want it, and if you say No to me, I hate you." "Thy will be done" is the essential prayer of the saint; "my will be done" is the essential demand of the sinner.

Socrates says we must be either fools because we think we are wise, or wise because we know we are fools. Christ says we must be either sinners who think we are saints, or saints who know we are sinners. Even

For Socrates, there are only two kinds of people: the wise, who know they are fools; and fools, who think they are wise. Similarly, for Christ and all the prophets, there are only two kinds of people: saints, who know they are sinners; and sinners, who think they are saints.

all power tends to corrupt and absolute power corrupts absolutely").

our ego is not God. In fact, it is often wrong, because it is fallen, foolish, and faithless.

That place that I had been most sure that I was right was the place that I was most wrong.

Vanity can create a very cruel space for you if you don't know how to manage it.

Except for the title 'father,' there is no title, including 'vice president,' that I am more proud to wear than that of United States senator.

Victory has a thousand fathers, but defeat is an orphan.