The fifth step of pride: singularity.55
Ladders
conclusion "out of the abundance of the heart the mouth speaks" or "a good person from a good treasure brings forth good things." The talk takes a lighter turn. You are more in your element here and become really eloquent. As they hear you, they will say your mouth has become a fountain of wit, a river of smart talk. You can get the most grave and serious laughing heartily. To say it briefly, when words are many, boasting is not lacking. There is the fourth step described and identified. Flee the reality but remember the name. The same warning goes with the next, which I name singularity.
The fifth step of pride: singularity When you have been bragging that you are better than others you would feel ashamed of yourself if you did not live up to your boast and show how much better than others you are. You do not so much want to be better as to be seen to be better. You are not so much concerned about leading a better life as appearing to others to do so. You can then say: "I am not like the rest of men." You are more compla cent about fasting for one day when the others are feasting than about fasting seven days with all the rest. While you are at your meals you cast your eyes around the tables and if you see anyone eating less than yourself you are mortified at being outdone and promptly and cruelly deprive yourself of even necessary food. You would rather starve your body than your pride. If you see anyone more thin, anyone more pallid, you despise yourself. You are never at rest. You wonder what others think about the appearance of your face, whether it is rosy or wan, poking at your ribs and feeling your shoulders and loins to see how skinny or fleshy thev are.
J Some of the more simple-minded are misled by your worthless singularities and, judging by your actions which