The Imitation of Christ

“There is naturally in ever y man a desire to know, but what profiteth knowledge without the fear of God? Better of a surety is a lowly peasant who ser veth God, than a proud philosopher who watcheth the stars and neglecteth the knowledge of himself. He who knoweth himself well is vile in his own sight; neither regardeth he the praises of men. If I knew all the things that are in the world, and were not in charity, what should it help me before God, who is to judge me according to my deeds?”