ON THE SIGN OF PRIDE

SAINT JOHN CASSIAN ON THE SIGN OF PRIDE

That we may shortly gather up what has been said of this species of pride, as far as we can we shall bring together certain of its signs, so that we may exhibit to those who thirst for instruction in the way of perfection some of the marks of it, so to speak, taken from the outward acts… With roots of this passion thus laid bare and brought to the surface, seen plainly before our eyes and known for what they are, it will be more easily possible to tear them up, or to avoid them. For this deadly disease can be wholly averted when there is brought to bear against its fearful blasts and harmful onslaughts not a watchfulness that begins too late, namely, when it has already gained the ascendant,-but when, recognizing well its preliminary features, so to say, we come to meet it with far-sighted and wise discernment. For, … outward acts show the inner disposition of the man.

So, then, it is by these signs that this carnal pride of which we spoke is made manifest.

First, there is a loudness in the proud man’s talk, a bitterness in his silent moods; when he is pleased, his laughter is loud and profuse; when he is serious, he is gloomy beyond reason.

There is rancor in his replies to questions, glibness in his speech; his words break out unrestrained by any seriousness of heart.

 Of patience he knows nothing; love is a stranger to him; he is bold in insulting others, cowardly in bearing their insults.

He does not easily render obedience save where the thing commanded fits in with his own wish and desire.

He is not to be appeased when one admonishes him; he is weak in curtailing his own wishes, very stubborn when asked to yield to those of others.

He is always doing his best to establish his own opinions, but never ready to bow to those of anyone else. Although he is quite incapable of giving salutary counsel, he is always more ready to trust his own judgment than to that of the elders.