Choose a topic from Part 2B:
1. Boasting is the making of false claims in praise ofone's own qualities or prowess; it is an attempt to liftoneself above what one really is. Boasting amounts to excessive andunjustified claims; and these, in turn, amount to lying. Hence,boasting has the evil of lying.
2. Boasting usually amounts to a jocose lie. It is so inthe case of a man who 'likes to hear himself talk," andwho delights in bragging for its own sake. Or it may be anofficious lie, as it is in a person who recommends himself for aposition by making excessive claims of ability. In most cases,boasting does not exceed venial sin.
"Shun too great a desire for knowledge, for in it there is much fretting and delusion. Intellectuals like to appear learned and to be called wise. Yet there are many things the knowledge of which does little or no good to the soul, and he who concerns himself about other things than those which lead to salvation is very unwise.
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Thomas á Kempis
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"As the flesh is nourished by food, so is man supported by prayers"
St Augustine
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"Lord, take from me everything that hinders me from going to You. give me all that will lead me to You. Take me from myself and give me to Yourself."
St Nicholas Flue
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