Further, it is evident that if pope or other superior command the priest not to preach, who is disposed to do so (as has been said), or the rich not to give alms, the inferior ought not to obey. Wherefore, depending on this command of the Lord, I have not obeyed Pope Alexander's command in regard to not preaching and hence will humbly bear excommunication, confident that I will secure to myself the benediction of my God.

Therefore, blessed be God and the Father of our Lord Jesus Christ who has hidden the way of truth from the wise and prudent and revealed it unto simple laymen and little priests who choose rather to obey God than men, who in acts generically good and acts neutral have the life of Christ before their eyes and obey prelates so far as these acts, modified by circumstances, can be reasonably put into practice for edification through the imitation of Christ.

It makes no sense to tell everyone to look at you if you're not ready to be looked at yet.

Once ego and pride are on the line, you can't change your mind without looking bad. The desire to save face trumps the desire to make the right call.

True humility is the willingness to allow others to help judge our leanings, leadings and revelations.

Humility must always be the portion of any man who receives acclaim earned in blood of his followers and sacrifices of his friends.

Those who take the extreme positions in American political and economic life are always wrong.

how much did pride count in the ebullition of passions in his breast?

it became clear to her observers that she was not quick at shifting her facial scenery. It was as though her countenance had so long been set in an expression of unchallenged superiority that the muscles had stiffened, and refused to obey her orders.

the things that she took for granted gave the measure of those she had rebelled against.

It is a dreadful truth, but it is a truth that cannot be concealed; in ability, in dexterity, in the distinctness of their views, the Jacobins are our superiors.

Yet weakness—or neediness—is a valuable asset in God's community. Jesus introduced a new era in which weakness is the new strength. Anything that reminds us that we are dependent on God and other people is a good thing. Otherwise, we trick ourselves into thinking that we are self-sufficient, and arrogance is sure to follow. We need help, and God has given us his Spirit and each other to provide it.