Good morning, Digital Neighbors, and happy Monday! In the wilds of Cath-o-landia we celebrate the solemn feast of the Apostles Peter and Paul. I pray for our leaders in the Church and in the world every day. It is far too easy to complain about and criticize leadership without ever trying to be one. While no one and no concept is above question or criticism, our culture has made a pastime — and a conceited pleasure — of tearing down leaders. Our envy-riddled culture too easily delights in the failure of the formerly successful and the ruin of the once prosperous. The fall of others provides a strange solace for those who never bothered to try.

No one should be a blind follower (too many were, as the Covid revelations of 2020–2021 showed), nor should one be so obdurate that they do nothing but constantly complain about those making the effort to lead. I recently came across another great quote from Frank Herbert, the author of Dune — a book on my reading list (I don’t know when or where, but one day I am going to tackle that behemoth).

“All governments suffer a recurring problem: Power attracts pathological personalities. It is not that power corrupts but that it is magnetic to the corruptible.” — Frank Herbert

Our pathological culture, unmoored from the Judeo-Christian foundation that once kept corruption more contained (never perfect, but not as rampant as it is now), has become like Gollum in The Lord of the Rings: it covets leadership and hates it at the same time. Those most often drawn to it seek only the perceived privileges that accompany it. Too many believe that power and privilege are worthy goals in themselves, and our Marxist-fueled institutions of higher brainwashing train so many to resent “privilege” while striving to obtain it for themselves. Being a Leftie means never having to consider yourself a hypocrite — they simply project their faults onto others and excuse them completely in themselves.

Well, enough of an old vintage rant from your friendly neighborhood friar (I only play one on Phetasy — I am a country priest). Let’s move on to a few quotes on one of the most vital traits in leadership: humility. Thanks for indulging me, and have a great day!

Consider how many do not even know your name, and how many will soon forget it, and how those who now praise you will presently blame you. — Marcus Aurelius

Great men never make bad use of their superiority; they see it, and feel it, and are not less modest. The more they have, the more they know their own deficiencies. — Jean-Jacques Rousseau

I have three precious things which I hold fast and prize. The first is gentleness; the second is frugality; the third is humility, which keeps me from putting myself before others. Be gentle and you can be bold; be frugal and you can be liberal; avoid putting yourself before others and you can become a leader among men. — Lao Tzu