Chapter IV. On the three Points proposed for Self-Consideration, of which the first is briefly dealt with

The consideration of thyself may be divided into three points. Thou mayest consider what thou art, who thou art, and what kind thou art : what thou art by nature, who thou art in rank and dignity, what kind thou art in character and disposition. Thus, it would be an answer to the first question to say that thou art a man ; to the second, that thou art Pope or Sovereign Pontiff ; to the third, that thou art gentle, kind, and so forth. And although the investigation of the first of these points belongs more to the disciple of Aristotle than to the successor of St. Peter, there is something nevertheless in the definition usually given of man, viz., a mortal rational animal, which, if it seems good to thee, thou mayest with profit consider more attentively. Such a study has nothing in it which would be out of keeping either with thy dignity as Pontiff or with thy profession as a monk, whereas it might contribute importantly to thy spiritual progress. For the consideration of the truth that thou art both rational and mortal will yield thee this double fruit, that what is mortal in thee shall serve to humble what is rational, whilst, on the other hand, what is rational in thee shall console that which is mortal : two results, neither of which will be neglected by the man of prudence. . If any further aspects of this present question remain to be examined, they shall receive due attention later on ; and perhaps I shall be able to discuss them with greater profit where they can be studied in connection with the other points of my subject.