Egoism of Worldly Educated People
One of the great saints of our age, Saint Paisios of Mt. Athos, said people who are filled with egoism and pride because of their education, “resemble satellites that orbit in the sky, giving one the impression that they are stars. If, however, you observe them carefully you will see their crooked steps and see that it is all a human sham.”
The holy elder went on to say, “Internally-oriented people, on account of their humility, are the true stars that move at dizzying speeds, but noiselessly and humbly, without anyone understanding how they move even though they are immense planets. They hide in the depths of heaven and give men the impression that they are little oil lamps aflame with a humble light.”
These words of wisdom from the Elder Paisios should be taken into our hearts and become the central theme of our journey to God. It is easy to get puffed up about ourselves when those around us recognize our accomplishments, but this life is not about careers, education, or success, but about our relationship with God. Only one who has acquired a humble and contrite heart will move at “dizzying speeds”.
Education in itself is not to be avoided, nor are we expected to avoid success in our chosen field. We must, however, avoid self-promotion if we are to gain humility.
Love in Christ,
Abbot Tryphon
About the author
Fr. Tryphon is the Abbot of the Monastery of the All-Merciful Saviour, which was established in 1986 by Archimandrite Dimitry (Egoroff) of blessed memory. The Monastery is under the omophore of His Eminence Kyrill, Archbishop of San Francisco and Western America, of the Russian Orthodox Church Outside of Russia.
