Reflecting again on David Brooks’ work, The Road to Character, (the beginning of the chain begins HERE), the greatest virtue is HUMILITY. It is vital we have an accurate assessment of our own nature and our place in the cosmos. We have weaknesses, and we are the underdog in that struggle. Individual talent alone will not overcome those weaknesses. Humility is the reminder that we are not the center of the universe. There is a larger order to serve.

Pride is the central vice. It blinds us to our weaknesses. It misleads us into thinking we are better than we really are. Pride tricks us into more self-certainty and closed-mindedness.

We need hard assessments of our own lives… and understand there is a way forward.