[6] The Devil's Whispers
Eleventh. When you are slighted by someone, or feel undervalued, do not harbor any secret anger, supposing that you actually deserved praise and that they over-looked your value, or that they neglected to praise you because of their own envy. Do not try to seek out a group of flatterers who will take your side, in whose vain noises and empty praises you may try to keep up your high opinion of yourself.
Twelfth. Do not entertain any of the devil's whispers of pride, such as that of Nebuchadnezzar: 'Is not this great Babylon, which I have built for the honor of my name, and the might of my majesty, and the power of my kingdom?'
Some people spend their time dreaming of greatness, envisioning theaters full of people applauding them, imagining themselves giving engaging speeches, fantasizing about having great wealth. All of this is nothing but the fumes of pride, exposing their heart's true wishes. Although there is nothing directly evil in this, it is the offspring of an inner evil and has nothing whatsoever to do with the obtaining of humility.
~from The Rule and Exercises of Holy Living by Jeremy Taylor
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