No one is greater than another: only more fortunate
Essay · On humanity
There are no superior human beings. Period.
If someone is more gifted, by the muses, by fate and history, by chance, by their work, their will, their parents, their education, or their circumstances, they are not superior. They have the chance to be great, and one should seize this chance if they wish. But many exalt themselves by trampling underfoot those who are powerless.
Be great because you are loved by the multitude, not envied. Be great because you know how to understand and forgive, not because you instill fear in the hearts of your brothers.
No one is truly great and good except God alone. So let us be like water for the thirsty, balm for the wounded heart, courage for the souls of the afraid, light for those lost in the darkness.
You can be first but choose to be last so no one is left behind.
For you need no one, yet all need you.
Everything we have beyond what we truly need is surplus, nothing but a temptation for a person to exalt themselves, to grow in wickedness, and to forget what it means to be human. Count your houses, count your burdens.
Elevate yourself.
Be light as a dove’s feather and tall as mountain firs.
Mind is nothing, riches are nothing, name and houses are nothing if inhumanity swells within, if they are not placed in the service of love.
For a man is measured by his humanity, not by silver coins hidden in the shadows of chests where he hoards his wretchedness with great effort and hatred.