The Second Chapter
EVERY man naturally desires knowledge [2] ; but what good is knowledge
without fear of God? Indeed a humble rustic who serves God is better than a
proud intellectual who neglects his soul to study the course of the stars.
[3] He who knows himself well becomes mean in his own eyes and is not happy
when praised by men.
If I knew all things in the world and had not charity, what would it profit
me before God Who will judge me by my deeds?
Shun too great a desire for knowledge, for in it there is much fretting and
delusion. Intellectuals like to appear learned and to be called wise. Yet
there are many things the knowledge of which does little or no good to the
soul, and he who concerns himself about other things than those which lead
to salvation is very unwise.
Many words do not satisfy the soul; but a good life eases the mind and a
clean conscience inspires great trust in God.
The more you know and the better you understand, the more severely will you
be judged, unless your life is also the more holy. Do not be proud,
therefore, because of your learning or skill. Rather, fear because of the
talent given you. If you think you know many things and understand them well
enough, realize at the same time that there is much you do not know. Hence,
do not affect wisdom, but admit your ignorance. Why prefer yourself to
anyone else when many are more learned, more cultured than you?
If you wish to learn and appreciate something worth while, then love to be
unknown and considered as nothing. Truly to know and despise self is the
best and most perfect counsel. To think of oneself as nothing, and always to
think well and highly of others is the best and most perfect wisdom.
Wherefore, if you see another sin openly or commit a serious crime, do not
consider yourself better, for you do not know how long you can remain in
good estate. All men are frail, but you must admit that none is more frail
than yourself.
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[2] Aristotle, Metaphysics, i. 1.
[3] Augustine, Confessions V. 4.
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