We should condemn ourselves
11 January 2021
The first step towards pride is vanity, that is the conviction that I’m somebody. The next step is conceit, that is the feeling not only that I’m somebody, but I’m important as regards God and other people. From vanity and conceit arise a host of proud thoughts, which are abhorrent to God. Self-knowledge and the experience of our insignificance can be of help here. We should often bring to mind mistakes we’ve made in the past and criticize ourselves over them.
Saint Theophan the Recluse
